Pune IRCTC Clarifies Optional Meal Choice on Rajdhani Shatabdi Vande Bharat
Indian Railways passengers can breathe easy. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has confirmed that meal services on premium trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat Express remain entirely optional, quashing recent confusion about mandatory food charges during ticket booking.
Over the past week, several passengers had taken to social media reporting that the IRCTC booking page no longer showed the “No Food” option, suggesting that onboard catering had become compulsory. However, officials clarified that the option had merely been repositioned on the interface not removed. Travellers continue to have full discretion to opt out of meal services, ensuring transparency and flexibility in fare choices.
A senior railway official explained that passengers can select the “I don’t want food/beverages” option under “Other Preferences” while booking their tickets online. Those who opt out will not be billed for catering, while those who leave the field blank will have the meal cost automatically included in their fare. The clarification comes amid growing discussions about transparency and digital accessibility in India’s transport systems.In trains such as the Vande Bharat Express, meals remain optional for Chair Car travellers, while Executive Chair Car fares may include meals depending on the route and operator policy. The same system applies to Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains, where passengers opting out at the time of booking will pay only for travel.
Transport experts have welcomed IRCTC’s clarification, calling it a step toward empowering consumers with choice. “Flexibility is fundamental in modern mobility systems. Passengers must be able to decide what they consume and pay for,” said a transport policy expert, adding that such digital clarity builds greater trust between passengers and the public service ecosystem.The debate around mandatory catering also underscores a larger sustainability narrative. Allowing passengers to skip meals can reduce food waste onboard long-distance trains a significant contributor to daily railway waste. With Indian Railways serving millions of meals annually, even a small reduction could contribute meaningfully toward India’s zero-waste and sustainable travel goals.As India transitions to smarter and more efficient travel infrastructure, the emphasis on passenger rights, choice, and eco-conscious practices is critical. IRCTC’s clarification not only resolves a digital misunderstanding but also aligns with broader national priorities of sustainable, inclusive, and user-friendly transport systems.
