Indian Railways Starts Branded Meal Trials on Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Trains
Train travel in India is set to improve significantly as Indian Railways tests a new on-board catering model. Led by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC), this initiative aims to enhance the quality and delivery of meals served to passengers. By separating meal preparation from service, IRCTC is collaborating with established food brands to offer fresh and hygienic meals, signifying a major transformation in the dining experience aboard trains.
Revamped Catering Model Under Trial
IRCTC has initiated a Proof of Concept (PoC) to transform catering services on select trains. This trial is currently underway across various railway zones, particularly on newly introduced Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. Serving approximately 1.65 million meals daily, IRCTC is focused on significantly improving meal quality for passengers. The PoC aims to evaluate 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 is committed to ensuring that passengers enjoy meals that are fresh and of high quality. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to enhance the overall travel experience, making train journeys more enjoyable.
Collaboration with Established Brands
As part of the trial, specific train services have been matched with various catering partners. For example, 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 allows IRCTC to offer a diverse, restaurant-quality menu that includes local delicacies. The aim 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 suggests 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. Depending on the results, there is potential for expanding this catering model to additional train services throughout the Indian Railways network, ultimately aiming to set a new standard for meal services on trains in India.
Digihunt is not a financial advisor and this is not investment advice.
