Indian Railways Launches Branded Meal Trials on Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Trains
Train travel in India is set to enhance significantly as Indian Railways tests a new on-board catering model. This initiative, led by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC), aims to elevate the quality and delivery of meals served to passengers. By separating meal preparation from service, IRCTC is collaborating with established food brands to provide fresh and hygienic meals, marking a substantial shift in the dining experience on trains.
Revamped Catering Model Under Trial
The IRCTC has initiated a Proof of Concept (PoC) to transform the catering services on select trains. This trial is currently being conducted across various railway zones, specifically on newly introduced Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. The corporation, which serves approximately 1.65 million meals daily, is focused on achieving a significant improvement in the quality of meals offered to passengers. The PoC aims to assess the entire catering supply chain, including kitchen infrastructure, meal production processes, and the transfer and service of meals.
By partnering with renowned food and beverage brands, IRCTC seeks to ensure that passengers receive meals that are not only fresh but also of high quality. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers, making train journeys more enjoyable.
Collaboration with Established Brands
As part of the trial, specific train services have been paired with various catering partners. For instance, the Nagpur–Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express is being serviced by Haldiram’s and Elior, while the Delhi–Sitamarhi Amrit Bharat train features meals supplied by Touch Stone Foundation. Additionally, Casino Air Caterers & Flight Services (CAFS) is responsible for the Kasargod–Trivandrum service and the Mangalore–Trivandrum Vande Bharat Express.
This collaboration with established brands allows IRCTC to offer a diverse, restaurant-quality menu that includes local delicacies. The goal is to enhance passenger satisfaction during their travels, providing them with a culinary experience that reflects regional flavors and high standards of food preparation.
Positive Passenger Feedback
Initial feedback from passengers on the trains involved in the PoC has been encouraging. Many travelers have expressed satisfaction with the quality and variety of meals provided during their journeys. The positive response indicates that the new catering model is resonating well with passengers, aligning with IRCTC’s objective to improve on-board dining experiences.
The findings from these trials will be carefully reviewed to identify areas for further enhancement. Based on the results, there is potential for expanding this catering model to additional train services across the Indian Railways network, ultimately aiming to set a new standard for meal services on trains in India.
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