Railways Reverses Veg-Only Menu, Introduces Chicken Curry on Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper
In a significant policy reversal, Indian Railways has introduced chicken curry as a non-vegetarian option on the Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat sleeper train, ending a brief but contentious period of a vegetarian-only menu that sparked widespread political debate and passenger criticism.
Regional Flavors to Enhance Passenger Experience
The newly added chicken curry will feature distinct regional flavors depending on the direction of travel. When departing from Kamakhya, the dish will incorporate traditional Assamese spices and cooking styles, offering a taste of Northeast Indian cuisine. Conversely, when the train originates from Howrah, the curry will be prepared with Bengali culinary influences, providing passengers with an authentic local experience.
This move is part of a broader effort to cater to diverse passenger preferences and celebrate India's rich culinary heritage. The decision to vary the curry by direction is seen as an innovative approach to regional representation on national rail services.
Political Storm and Passenger Feedback Prompt Change
The reversal comes just days after Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the menu change on Sunday, responding to mounting pressure from passengers and political opponents. The initial vegetarian-only policy had drawn sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress and other groups, who accused the BJP-led central government of imposing dietary restrictions and "policing our plates."
The controversy highlighted broader tensions around food choices and cultural identity in India's diverse society. Many passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the limited menu options, arguing that it failed to accommodate the dietary habits of a significant portion of the traveling public.
Limited Non-Vegetarian Options and Official Statement
While the introduction of chicken curry marks a departure from the all-vegetarian menu, the non-vegetarian options remain limited. Fish will not be served on the Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat sleeper, with chicken being the sole non-vegetarian choice available to passengers.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) issued a detailed statement explaining the decision: "Based on comprehensive passenger feedback and operational considerations, it was decided that, for the non-vegetarian option, only a chicken dish shall be served. This will consist of 50-60 grams of boneless chicken accompanied by approximately 70 grams of gravy."
This specification ensures consistency in portion sizes and quality across services, addressing concerns about standardization in railway catering.
Broader Implications for Railway Catering Policies
The episode has sparked discussions about the future of catering policies on premium trains like the Vande Bharat sleeper. Key considerations include:
- Balancing dietary preferences across India's diverse population
- Maintaining hygiene and quality standards for non-vegetarian food preparation
- Incorporating regional culinary traditions to enhance passenger experience
- Responding effectively to passenger feedback in service improvements
The introduction of chicken curry represents a compromise solution that acknowledges passenger demands while maintaining practical limitations in railway kitchen operations. It demonstrates the railways' willingness to adapt policies based on public response, though the exclusion of fish and other non-vegetarian items suggests ongoing constraints.
As Indian Railways continues to modernize its services, catering decisions will likely remain under scrutiny, balancing operational efficiency with cultural sensitivity and passenger satisfaction in India's complex social landscape.
