Indian Railways has expanded its free meal policy to include Vande Bharat Express trains. This facility was previously available only for premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto. Passengers will now receive complimentary food and beverages if their train is delayed by two hours or more.
Which trains offer free meals during delays?
The rule applies to all premium trains including Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, Duronto Express, and now Vande Bharat Express. According to IRCTC, the menu for Vande Bharat trains has been revised to match the standards of Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains. This rule for Rajdhani and Shatabdi has been in place since 2011.
What are the conditions for claiming free food?
To get the free meal, the train must be delayed by at least 2 hours. This facility is specifically for passengers who selected the food option during their ticket booking. Depending on the time of the delay, IRCTC will provide free tea, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If fresh food like dal and rice is unavailable, packed food will be provided to the passengers.
Other recent IRCTC updates for passengers
| Feature | Update Detail |
|---|---|
| Food Purchase | Passengers who didn’t opt for food during booking can now buy it on board by paying extra charges |
| Late Night Service | Late-night meal services will be stopped for pantry cleaning and maintenance from June 1, 2026 |
| E-Catering | Action taken against illegal e-catering services in early June |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much delay is required to get free food in Vande Bharat Express?
Passengers will be eligible for free tea, breakfast, lunch, or dinner if the Vande Bharat Express is delayed by 2 hours or more.
Can passengers who didn’t book meals get them during the journey?
Yes, passengers who did not select the food option during ticket booking can now purchase meals on board by paying the required additional charges.