In a significant development for rail travel in India, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are set to offer non-vegetarian food options to passengers, as confirmed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. This move aims to diversify the culinary offerings onboard, catering to a wider range of dietary preferences and enhancing the overall journey experience for travelers.
Announcement Details and Current Operations
During a press conference held at Rail Bhawan, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that the Indian Railways will soon begin serving non-vegetarian meals on Vande Bharat Sleeper services. Currently, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is operational on the Howrah-Kamakhya route, connecting West Bengal and Assam, and this new food service is expected to be implemented shortly to complement the existing vegetarian menu.
Route and Station Stops
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Howrah-Kamakhya route makes 13 halts during its journey, facilitating connectivity across key locations. The stations include:
- Bandel
- Nabadwip Dham
- Katwa
- Azimganj
- New Farakka
- Malda Town
- Aluabari Road
- New Jalpaiguri
- Jalpaiguri Road
- New Cooch Behar
- New Alipurduar
- New Bongaigaon
- Rangiya
This extensive stop list ensures that passengers from various regions can access the upgraded dining facilities, making the train service more appealing and convenient for long-distance travel.
Implications for Passenger Experience
The introduction of non-vegetarian food on Vande Bharat Sleeper trains marks a progressive step by Indian Railways to modernize and improve passenger amenities. By providing diverse meal choices, the railways aim to boost satisfaction and comfort, aligning with global standards in rail hospitality. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the Vande Bharat fleet's reputation as a premium travel option in India.
As the service rolls out, it is anticipated to attract more travelers seeking quality and variety in onboard dining, potentially increasing ridership on this route. The move reflects the government's focus on upgrading infrastructure and services to meet evolving consumer demands in the transportation sector.
