Shatabdi Express is one of the most popular and respected trains in India. It offers fast, comfortable, and convenient travel for passengers all over the country.
Many people like to travel on the Shatabdi Express, but they often have lots of questions about things like food and other services.
They might wonder: ‘What about the food on the Shatabdi Express? Is it free? What kind of food do they have? How do they serve it? And how does it compare to other trains?’ In this blog post, we’ll answer all these questions and more.
So, let’s begin.
Is Food Free in Shatabdi Express?
The question of whether food is free on the Shatabdi Express is often asked by passengers planning to travel on it or curious about the onboard food services. The simple answer is no. In the past, food charges were included in Shatabdi train ticket fares.
However, a few years ago, Indian Railways made a change allowing passengers to ‘Opt out’ of paying for food and book only a seat/berth for travel.
This change provides more convenience to passengers who don’t require food, allowing them to save money. Those who do require food can opt for it, but additional charges will be added to their ticket.
To conclude, food is not free in the Shatabdi Express. You must opt for the food option at the time of booking if you require it, and additional charges will apply for this service.
Shatabdi Express: Premier Intercity Train Service Overview
The Shatabdi Express is renowned for its speed and comfort, offering passengers fast and comfortable travel options. It constitutes a series of intercity trains connecting major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
Operated by Indian Railways, the national railway system of India, these trains are known for their convenience and efficiency. With a network spanning over 120,000 km and over 20,000 trains running daily, Indian Railways boasts one of the largest and busiest rail networks globally.
The best part about Shatabdi Express is equipped with air-conditioned coaches, reclining seats, entertainment systems, and on-board catering, they provide a high-quality travel experience. With speeds up to 150 km/h, Shatabdi Express trains cover distances of up to 700 km in a single day, making them among the fastest in India.
Significance of Shatabdi Express
These trains are crucial for Indian Railways, generating significant revenue and passenger satisfaction while showcasing technological and operational excellence.
For passengers, Shatabdi Express offers a reliable, safe, and affordable mode of transport, saving time and money compared to other alternatives.
Services Provided on Board Shatabdi Express
- Air-conditioned coaches with reclining seats, reading lights, and power sockets.
- Entertainment systems featuring LCD screens, headphones, and various channels and programs.
- On-board catering offering food and beverages at regular intervals.
- Newspapers, magazines, and books available for reading.
- Clean and hygienic toilets and washrooms.
- Medical and security assistance in emergencies.
- Free Wi-Fi access at selected stations.
Read: Is Food Free in Duronto Express?
Shatabdi Food Timings
On Shatabdi Express trains, meals are served regularly, a feature valued by passengers. Knowing the meal times is important for planning. Timings vary depending on journey duration, schedule, and ticket type:
- Breakfast: Usually 6:00 am – 10:00 am, adjusted for departure.
- Lunch: Typically, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, adjusted for arrival.
- Evening Snacks: Generally, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, aligned with departure.
- Dinner: Typically, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, aligned with arrival.
Passengers are informed onboard, and expected to be ready for meals. While efforts are made to match timings with station time, slight changes may occur due to train speed or delays.
Deviations may happen due to delays, passenger needs, or special occasions. Passengers are notified, and alternatives like packed meals may be offered.
Ticket Costs and Inclusions
When it comes to Shatabdi Express trains, ticket prices and what’s included depend on a few key factors:
Class of Travel: Passengers can choose between an Executive Class and a Chair Car. Executive Class offers more comfort and amenities, while Chair Car is more basic.
Distance Traveled: Longer trips cost more, with fares calculated per kilometer.
Dynamic Pricing: Prices can vary based on factors like demand, time of year, and special offers.
Additional Charges: The ticket price covers service tax, reservation fees, and other charges.
Here’s what’s included in the ticket price:
- Seat Reservation: You get a specific seat for the whole journey, ensuring you have a spot.
- Travel Insurance: Coverage for accidents, loss of luggage, and other mishaps during the journey.
- Food and Beverages: You can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee tailored to your preferences. Usually, they’re free, but some tickets may not include them.
- Amenities: Enjoy features like reclining seats, entertainment systems, clean restrooms, and Wi-Fi at select stations to make your journey more comfortable.
Food Services on Shatabdi Express
Food services on Shatabdi Express trains are a highlight of the journey, providing passengers with meals and drinks at regular intervals.
Given the confusion surrounding food services on trains, here’s a clear overview to guide passengers through the process on Shatabdi Express.
Overview of Food Service:
The food services are managed by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), and food service on Shatabdi Express is overseen by the Train Superintendent to ensure quality and safety. Catering staff, trained and courteous, deliver food and collect passenger feedback for improvement.
Types of Food Provided
Passengers can enjoy a variety of snacks and meals during the journey. Snacks include tea, coffee, juice, biscuits, sandwiches, samosas, and more.
Meals consist of soup, bread, rice, dal, roti, sabzi, salad, dessert, and more. The food reflects regional cuisine and special occasions.
How Food is Served
Food is served either buffet-style in Executive Class or as pre-packed meals in Chair Car. Buffet service offers a range of dishes in a dining area, while pre-packed meals are served in sealed containers at passengers’ seats. Hygiene and safety are prioritized, with staff wearing gloves and masks.
Special Dietary Accommodations
Special dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, diabetic, Jain, or Halal food can be accommodated upon request.
Passengers can inform staff or the Train Superintendent of their preferences when booking or boarding. Additional charges may apply for certain items.
Complimentary vs. Paid Food on Shatabdi Express
On Shatabdi Express trains, food services are divided into two categories: complimentary and paid food. Here’s a breakdown:
Clarification on Free Food
- Complimentary Food:- This is included in the ticket price for passengers who book a regular ticket with catering charges added to the base fare. Available for scheduled mealtimes only.
- Paid Food:- The paid food is not included in the ticket price for passengers who book an optional ticket without catering charges. Available for purchase from the paid menu or passengers can bring their food.
Exceptions and Conditions for Free Food
Free food is only provided during scheduled mealtimes and for standard food items.
Special or premium food items and beverages are not included and must be purchased separately.
Free food is only for the passenger who booked the ticket and cannot be shared or donated.
Availability of Paid Food Options:
- Paid Menu: – Paid menu has a variety of items like pizzas, burgers, biryanis, ice creams, soft drinks, beers, wines, and mineral water. Passengers can pay cash or card to catering staff or use the e-catering service on the IRCTC website or app.
- E-catering Service:- Passengers can order food online from various restaurants and vendors and have it delivered to their seats. Available on select routes and trains, payment can be made online or upon delivery.
These options provide flexibility for passengers to enjoy a variety of food items during their journey on Shatabdi Express trains.
Conclusion
The food service on Shatabdi Express trains is a major perk. It offers a variety of meals and drinks that cater to passengers’ preferences.
Most importantly, it’s free for the majority of passengers, making train travel more affordable. This service adds comfort and convenience to the journey.
Compared to other travel options, Shatabdi Express provides great value for money by including meals in the ticket price.
This makes train travel more appealing. Additionally, the quality food service enhances passenger satisfaction, making the journey enjoyable and memorable. Overall, it’s a key reason why travelers opt for Shatabdi Express.