New Delhi, February 8, 2026 – In a major push to transform the passenger dining experience, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is rolling out Proof of Concept (PoC) trials for branded, restaurant-style meals on select Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains, aiming for a “paradigm shift” in onboard catering quality.
IRCTC, which serves around 16.5 lakh meals daily across the railway network, has de-linked meal production from onboard service. This allows reputed food brands, industrial kitchens, restaurant chains, and flight caterers to prepare fresh, hygienic food in modern facilities before delivery to trains.
The trials, launched in late 2025, focus on premium and semi-premium services to deliver diverse, high-quality menus—including local delicacies—while boosting hygiene standards and passenger satisfaction.
Key routes and partners include:
– Nagpur–Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express: M/s Haldiram’s (Nagpur) and Elior (Secunderabad)
– Bapudham Motihari–Anand Vihar Amrit Bharat Express: M/s ISKCON, Dwarka (offering pure, sattvik vegetarian meals)
– Other routes: Casino Air Caterers & Flight Services (CAFS) on Kasargod–Trivandrum and Mangalore–Trivandrum Vande Bharat, and Touch Stone Foundation on Delhi–Sitamarhi Amrit Bharat
Early feedback from passengers has been encouraging, with many praising improved taste, freshness, and variety compared to traditional pantry services. The initiative aligns with broader railway reforms, including plans to introduce regional cuisines on more Vande Bharat routes as part of the “52 reforms in 52 weeks” announced by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
IRCTC officials emphasized that these PoC trials—conducted across multiple zones on newly introduced trains—will help evaluate scalable models before wider rollout. The goal is to end longstanding complaints about inconsistent quality, cold food, and hygiene issues by leveraging trusted brands.
This development comes as Indian Railways continues to upgrade passenger amenities on high-speed and modern trains, positioning onboard dining as a key part of the travel experience. If successful, the branded model could soon extend to more services, potentially revolutionizing how millions eat while journeying across the country.
