Indian Railways is one of the largest rail networks in the world, serving millions of passengers daily. An essential aspect of this vast transportation system is its catering services, managed by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Whether you are on a short-haul journey or a long-distance trip, food on trains plays a crucial role in making your travel experience more comfortable
the food pricing system on Indian Railways, the different categories of meals, and other essential details that you should know about IRCTC food prices.
Understanding IRCTC’s Catering Services
IRCTC is responsible for catering, tourism, and online services for Indian Railways. The catering service is essential for both regular passengers and tourists, offering a variety of food options ranging from simple snacks to full meals. IRCTC’s catering service aims to provide hygienic and quality food on trains, although passengers’ feedback regarding food quality can sometimes vary.
Catering services on Indian Railways are provided in several ways, including:
Onboard Catering: Available on trains such as Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, Vande Bharat, and other premium trains. This includes meals, snacks, and beverages served directly to the passengers.
E-catering: A service where passengers can order food online through IRCTC’s e-catering platform and have it delivered to their train seats.
Static Catering: Offered at various stations in the form of food stalls and kiosks, providing meals and snacks to travelers waiting for their trains.
IRCTC Food Price Structure: A Breakdown
The food pricing structure under IRCTC varies depending on the class of travel, type of train, and the meal service provided. Let’s break it down by the different classes and types of food offered.
- Food Prices for Premium Trains (Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat)
Premium trains like Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, and Vande Bharat have a dedicated onboard catering service. The prices are relatively higher, and meals are served directly to passengers. In these trains, food is included in the ticket price, but for some services, there may be additional charges.
Rajdhani Express: Passengers traveling in Rajdhani Express can expect three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The cost of these meals is included in the ticket price, though there can be a slight variation based on the class of travel.
For AC First Class (1A), the ticket price may range from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000, which includes food.
For AC 2-Tier (2A) and AC 3-Tier (3A), the ticket prices range from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500, with food included.
Shatabdi Express: Similar to the Rajdhani, Shatabdi Express offers onboard catering with meals like breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on the journey time. The meals are included in the ticket price.
The cost for an AC Chair Car (CC) ticket in Shatabdi can range from ₹500 to ₹1,000, with meals served on the train.
Vande Bharat Express: Known for its speed and modern amenities, Vande Bharat Express offers passengers snacks and meals. The meals are generally included in the ticket price, although in some cases, passengers may have to pay extra for premium services like special meals or beverages.
The fares in Vande Bharat range from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 for AC classes, with meals included.
- Food Prices for Mail and Express Trains
For other trains, like Mail and Express services, the food options and pricing vary widely depending on the train’s route and class of service. Meals can be provided in the form of packed lunches, snacks, or beverages, and food prices are not always included in the ticket price.
General Train Classes (Sleeper Class, Second Sitting, and Chair Car): In these classes, passengers often have the option to purchase food onboard from the pantry car or through the train’s catering service.
Snacks: Simple items like chips, biscuits, fruits, and packaged drinks typically range between ₹20 and ₹100.
Full Meals: A basic vegetarian or non-vegetarian meal could cost between ₹100 and ₹300. The price may vary based on the region, route, and train type.
E-Catering Service: Through IRCTC’s e-catering service, passengers can order food from a variety of restaurants that are partnered with IRCTC. The price for a meal ordered via e-catering depends on the restaurant and the type of meal ordered.
Basic Meals: A standard vegetarian or non-vegetarian meal can range from ₹150 to ₹300.
Premium Options: For higher-end restaurants or premium meals, prices may range from ₹350 to ₹600 per meal.
- Food Prices for Unreserved Coaches and Other Trains
In unreserved coaches, food is often not included in the ticket price, and passengers will need to purchase food from vendors at railway stations or on the train. Prices here are typically lower than those on premium trains but can vary widely.
Street Food and Local Snacks: Vendors selling snacks like samosas, vadas, sandwiches, or tea may charge anywhere from ₹20 to ₹80 for an item.
Meal Options: Passengers in unreserved classes can expect to pay around ₹100 to ₹200 for a simple meal like rice, dal, roti, and curry.
Key Factors Influencing IRCTC Food Prices
Several factors can influence the prices of food on IRCTC trains, including:
Class of Travel: Passengers traveling in higher-class compartments (1A, 2A, 3A) generally pay more for food, as the meals are more elaborate and included in the fare.
Train Type: The type of train (premium, superfast, express, or local) also plays a significant role in pricing. Premium trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi offer high-quality meals at a higher price point compared to slower, local trains.
Distance and Duration of the Journey: Longer journeys usually come with more meal options and a wider variety of foods, and the price may reflect that. Shorter journeys may only offer snacks and light meals.
Regional Variations: Food prices can vary based on the region. For example, meals served in the southern part of India may differ in price and taste from those served in the north, reflecting regional culinary traditions.
Food Quality: While IRCTC aims to provide hygienic and fresh meals, the quality of food may vary, with some passengers complaining about the taste, temperature, or freshness of the food.
How to Order Food Through IRCTC’s E-Catering Service
IRCTC offers an e-catering service, which allows passengers to order food online through its website or mobile app. Here’s how it works:
Visit the IRCTC E-Catering Website: Go to the IRCTC e-catering portal (www.ecatering.irctc.co.in) or use the IRCTC Rail Connect app.
Enter Your PNR and Train Details: Select your train and enter your PNR number to see food options available on your route.
Choose Your Meal: Browse through the restaurant menus and select the meal you want. You can order vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals, snacks, beverages, or even specialty items.
Select Payment Method: Pay through available methods such as credit card, debit card, net banking, or digital wallets.
Track Your Order: Once the order is confirmed, you will receive an estimated time of delivery. Your food will be delivered to your seat at the designated station.
Is IRCTC Food Worth the Price?
IRCTC strives to make train travel a pleasant experience for passengers, and food plays a big role in that. While food prices on trains can be a little steep, especially on premium services, the convenience of having meals served onboard can outweigh the costs for many passengers. The e-catering service is another way to ensure a more personalized dining experience, providing a broader variety of food options at competitive prices.
Despite occasional complaints about food quality, IRCTC continues to improve its offerings, and for many passengers, it remains a convenient and accessible option while traveling across India. For those on a budget, food from vendors or purchasing meals from stations can offer a cheaper alternative, but it’s always a good idea to plan ahead when traveling long distances on Indian Railways.
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