Saturday, June 14, 2025

The Indian Railways announced plans to upgrade the rail-dining experience for trains traveling in the Kerala state, including the elite-class Vande Bharat Express, by including “flight food” for passengers. The aim of this move is to advance the on-train catering service by offering better-standard food that can compare with what one would find on an airplane. The decision follows a series of complaints about the previous food quality.

As part of this initiative, Indian Railways has partnered with three leading catering units to supply meals on these trains. The selected catering services include:

These units have been carefully chosen after a thorough evaluation by Railway Board officials, who visited several catering services and flight kitchens in Kerala. Their goal was to find the best catering options that align with the quality expected on premium trains like the Vande Bharat Express.

The decision to bring in new catering services comes in response to complaints about the poor quality of meals previously offered onboard. Notably, there were concerns regarding Brindavan Products, the previous catering provider, which had been criticized for the subpar food served to passengers. Following these complaints, Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, urged the Railway Board to take action by banning Brindavan Products from participating in future tender procedures. The authorities responded by improving their vendor selection process, ensuring that only high-quality providers are now serving flight food on Kerala’s top trains.

With this new catering initiative, passengers have the option to customize their meals when booking tickets for the Vande Bharat trains. For example:

These pricing options give passengers flexibility in their meal choices, allowing them to select a “no-food” option if desired.

To address any issues that may arise regarding the food quality, passengers can easily lodge complaints through several channels. Indian Railways has introduced the Rail Madad app, which offers a convenient way for passengers to report concerns. Additionally, they can contact the helpline at 139 or share their feedback on social media platforms by tagging the official Railway Ministry account (@RailMinIndia).

Railways also encourages passengers to post photos of their meals if they are dissatisfied, further ensuring transparency and accountability. This feedback system aims to quickly address any food-related issues, making it easier for travelers to voice concerns and receive prompt resolutions.

The introduction of flight food on Kerala trains, especially Vande Bharat, marks a significant step in improving the overall travel experience. As more passengers demand quality food options while traveling, Indian Railways is stepping up its efforts to meet these expectations. The move is part of the larger trend in the railway sector, where efforts to modernize and enhance services are becoming increasingly important.

By collaborating with experienced catering companies that specialize in providing high-quality meals, Indian Railways is offering a more sophisticated dining experience, reminiscent of what passengers would expect on a flight. The addition of these services is expected to set a new standard for food served on trains in India, particularly for premium routes like Vande Bharat.

This initiative is not just about improving the food served on the trains but also reflects a larger commitment to improving overall Indian Railways catering services. With the growing demand for higher-quality food in public transport, especially on high-end services like Vande Bharat, the railway board is working to ensure that every aspect of the passenger journey meets expectations.

With better meals, more convenient complaint channels, and a focus on transparency, passengers can now look forward to an improved travel experience that blends comfort, quality, and convenience. The emphasis on Indian Railways catering serves as an important part of this ongoing transformation.

The Indian Railways’ move to offer flight food on the trains of Kerala, especially the Vande Bharat Express, is an apparent attempt to offer passengers a better dining experience. By partnering with well-known catering organizations, the railways seek to enhance the overall experience of passengers. With relaxed ticket rules, easy complaint redressal, and a promise of good food, the new caterings will make the journey better for millions of passengers. Whether for business purposes or for leisure, the passenger can expect to have a far better and comfortable journey with an emphasis on good food and service.