Vande Bharat Sleeper: New Regional Menus Announced
IRCTC introduces route-specific regional menus for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Discover new meal options for Bengaluru-Mumbai and Varanasi routes.
Indian Railways is bringing a taste of local culture to its premium services. Through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a new route-specific catering strategy has been implemented for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. This initiative ensures that the Vande Bharat Sleeper menu reflects the unique culinary traditions of the regions the trains traverse.
A Culinary Journey: Bengaluru to Mumbai
Following the inauguration of the SMVT Bengaluru to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai service on November 1, 2026, passengers can look forward to a menu inspired by South Indian flavors.
Breakfast and Dinner Highlights
- Breakfast: Idli with Sambhar, Masala Poha, Keshari Bhath, vegetable cutlets, and omelettes.
- Dinner: Steamed rice, lemon rice, chapathi or paratha, Karnataka-style sambhar, yellow dal tadka, paneer, regional vegetable dishes, and chicken, complemented by buttermilk, curd, and Indian sweets.
Flavors of the North: Varanasi to New Delhi
The Varanasi–New Delhi route will also feature a specialized regional menu designed to cater to local tastes.
- Jeera or plain rice paired with yellow dal tadka.
- Paneer or local vegetable specialties.
- Chicken dishes, curd, buttermilk, and sweets.
Important Updates for Passengers
IRCTC has introduced several changes to make the dining experience more flexible and user-friendly for travelers.
Flexible Catering and No More Penalties
Catering remains an optional service for all Vande Bharat Sleeper passengers. Travelers can choose to opt out during the ticket booking process to reduce their total fare.
In a significant relief for commuters, Indian Railways has officially removed the previous ₹50 penalty fee for those who initially opt out of catering but later decide to purchase meals onboard. These passengers may now acquire food from pantry staff at standard official rates, subject to availability.
Mandatory Meal Preferences
Following feedback from earlier services, including the Howrah–Kamakhya route, IRCTC now requires a mandatory selection of vegetarian or non-vegetarian meal preferences during the booking process to ensure better service accuracy.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that these service expansions are part of the ongoing development of the national sleeper network.