Indian Railways has launched a major initiative to ensure affordable and high-quality dining for passengers, officially capping the price of hot vegetarian meals onboard trains at ₹80 as of July 2025. This move is part of a broader effort to improve catering services across the network, focusing on hygiene, accessibility, and price transparency for those travelling in general coaches and beyond. Key highlights of these updates include:
- Onboard vegetarian meals are now capped at ₹80, featuring a 350-gram Veg Biryani box with sides and hygiene essentials.
- IRCTC continues to offer Economy Meals for ₹20 and Snack Meals for ₹50 at over 150 counters near general coaches at more than 100 stations.
- Strict quality enforcement has resulted in ₹5.13 crore in fines and six contract terminations over the last three years.
- New meal packets feature QR codes for full transparency, including packing dates and FSSAI details.
- Menus are now customizable to include millet-based, diabetic-friendly, and regional options.
Affordable Dining for Every Passenger
To support passengers in general second-class coaches, the railway has expanded its network of budget-friendly food counters. Since April 2024, these counters have been strategically placed on platforms to provide quick access to affordable food. The ₹80 onboard meal includes a complete package consisting of a 350-gram Veg Biryani box, curd, pickle, a biodegradable spoon, tissue, and hand sanitizer. Railway authorities have strictly advised passengers to report any instances of overcharging by calling the Rail Madad helpline at 139 or using the official portal.
Focus on Hygiene and Quality Control
Since August 7, 2026, the Ministry of Railways has intensified its crackdown on food quality violations. Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the department is taking a zero-tolerance approach toward poor service. To maintain high standards, meals are now prepared in modern Base Kitchens equipped with CCTV monitoring. Furthermore, the introduction of Food Safety Supervisors ensures that hygiene protocols are followed at every step.
Customized Menus and Modern Service
As of August 1, 2026, IRCTC has gained the flexibility to customize menus, moving away from rigid offerings. This allows the catering team to introduce diverse options such as baby-specific meals, seasonal dishes, and festival-special menus. Passengers can also look forward to healthier choices, including millet-based dishes. Additionally, static food stalls under the Central Railway divisions—covering Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur—are currently undergoing a scheduled price revision to streamline services. With these upgrades, Indian Railways aims to make every journey more comfortable and nourishing for millions of commuters.