If you’re thinking of traveling on the Rajdhani Express, a top-notch train in India, you might be wondering if your ticket includes food. This blog post will answer that and give you more info about the meals on Rajdhani trains.
Is Food Included in Rajdhani Ticket?
Yes, the inclusion of food is a part of the Rajdhani ticket, and there are no additional charges for it. Rajdhani Express trains provide on-board catering services, offering optional meals throughout the journey.
The cost of food is already covered in the train fare, and during the ticket booking, you have the option to decline the food service. If you choose not to include meals, no extra charges related to food will be applied to your ticket.
About Rajdhani Express
Rajdhani Express is a series of passenger train services linking the national capital, New Delhi, with the capitals or major cities of various states.
The term “Rajdhani” translates to “Capital” in English. Recognized for their speed, comfort, and luxury, Rajdhani Express trains are fully air-conditioned and make fewer stops compared to other trains on the same routes.
What Kind of Food is Included in Rajdhani Ticket?
Rajdhani Express offers a diverse range of food options to cater to various tastes and preferences. The ticket includes complimentary meals like breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea, coffee, soup, and mineral water.
The food provided is fresh, hygienic, and delicious, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices along with regional cuisines. The menu changes based on the time of day and the train’s destination.
Read: Is food free in Vande Bharat Express?
How to Check If Food is Included in Your Rajdhani Train Ticket
To determine whether food is included in your Rajdhani Train Ticket, you can use the following methods:
1. IRCTC Website or App
Visit the IRCTC website or use the IRCTC mobile app:
- Log in to your account.
- Enter your PNR number in the “Booked Tickets” section.
- Check the ticket details, where it will explicitly mention if catering charges are included. If you selected “No Food” during booking, catering will not be included.
2. Menu on Rails App
Download the Menu on Rails app, the official Indian Railways app for checking food details:
- Enter your train number or name.
- View the menu details and prices of food items served in Rajdhani Express trains.
- The app also provides a detailed breakdown of meals, snacks, and beverages available onboard.
3. Onboard Inquiry
If you’re already on the train, approach the catering staff:
- Ask for the menu card to see the list of items being served and confirm whether food is included with your ticket.
- Inquire about any additional charges for specific items if you opted for the “No Food” option.
4. Ticket Booking Confirmation
During the ticket booking process, Rajdhani Train Tickets give you the option to select or opt out of catering services. If you opted for food, it will be included in your ticket fare. You can verify this in your booking confirmation email or SMS.
Key Points to Remember:
- Rajdhani Express trains usually include meals for passengers traveling in 1A (First Class AC), 2A (AC 2-Tier), and 3A (AC 3-Tier) unless you explicitly opt out.
- Meals are served based on the timing of your journey, including breakfast, lunch, evening tea, and dinner.
- Even if you opted out of catering, you can buy meals onboard or pre-order using the IRCTC e-Catering service.
By using these methods, you can ensure clarity regarding the food included in your Rajdhani Train Ticket and enjoy a hassle-free journey.
Remember: You can choose the ‘No Food’ option during ticket booking if you prefer to bring your own food or order from outside. Note that there won’t be any refund for the food charges.
What is the food timing schedule in Rajdhani Express?
The food times on Rajdhani Express depend on how long your journey is, the schedule, and your travel class. The cost of meals is already included in your ticket if you decide to get them.
Here’s when you can expect meals:
1. Morning Tea Time in Rajdhani Express
- Served between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, contingent on the train’s arrival time at its destination.
- Includes your choice of tea or coffee, accompanied by biscuits, and a newspaper.
2. Breakfast Time in Rajdhani Express
- Available between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, depending on the train’s departure time.
- Options include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices such as bread, butter, jam, omelet, cutlet, paratha, pickle, along with tea, coffee, and juice.
3. Lunch Time in Rajdhani Express
- Served between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, varying based on the train’s route and stops.
- Lunch offerings consist of rice, roti, dal, sabzi, paneer, chicken, salad, pickle, water, and ice cream.
4. Evening Snacks Time in Rajdhani Express
- Available from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, contingent on the train’s route and stops.
- Enjoy snacks like sandwiches, samosas, pakoras, cake, etc., accompanied by tea, coffee, and juice. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.
5. Dinner Time in Rajdhani Express
- Served between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, depending on the train’s route and stops.
- Dinner options include rice, roti, dal, sabzi, paneer, chicken, salad, pickle, water, and ice cream, with choices available for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians
Are There Any Special Catering Services Available?
Special dietary requirements, such as diabetic, gluten-free, Jain, or vegan preferences, can be accommodated on Rajdhani Express trains by requesting special meals.
Additionally, premium catering services are available on certain Rajdhani Express trains, allowing passengers to order food from a curated list of restaurants and hotels along the route. These services are optional, incur additional costs, and must be booked in advance.
Here is the Rajdhani Express food menu list
Welcome Drink
As soon as passengers board the train, they will be greeted with a welcome drink, a fruit juice, a soft drink, or a hot beverage, depending on your choice. This is an excellent way to refresh yourself and prepare for the journey ahead.
| Welcome Drink |
| Fruit Juice, |
| Soft Drink |
| Hot Beverage |
Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the morning, usually between 7 am and 9 am. Passenger can choose from the following options:
| Breakfast Option | Accompaniments |
| Veg Cutlet | Bread, Butter, Tomato Ketchup |
| Omelette | Bread, Butter, Tomato Ketchup |
| Upma/Vada | Coconut Chutney |
| Idli/Vada | Sambar, Coconut Chutney |
| Poha | Pickle |
| Bread, Butter, Jam | Tea/Coffee |
Lunch and Dinner
Lunch and dinner are served at noon and evening, respectively. You can choose from the following options:
| Meal Option | Components |
| Veg Thali | Rice, Dal, Roti, Sabzi, Pickle, Papad, Curd, Ice Cream |
| Non-Veg Thali | Rice, Dal, Roti, Chicken Curry, Pickle, Papad, Curd, Ice Cream |
| Veg Biryani | Raita, Pickle |
| Egg Biryani | Raita, Pickle |
| Chicken Biryani | Raita, Pickle |
| Paneer Butter Masala | Roti, Salad |
| Kadhai Chicken | Roti, Salad |
| Veg Pulao | Dal Fry, Pickle |
| Jeera Rice | Dal Makhani, Pickle |
| Khichdi | Curd, Pickle |
Snacks
Snacks are served between meals, usually in the afternoon and late at night. Passengers can choose from the following options:
| Snack Option | Accompanied with |
| Veg Sandwich | Tea/Coffee |
| Samosa | Tea/Coffee |
| Kachori | Tea/Coffee |
| Veg Pakora | Tea/Coffee |
| Bread Pakora | Tea/Coffee |
| Veg Cutlet | Tea/Coffee |
| Roasted Peanuts | Tea/Coffee |
| Biscuits | Tea/Coffee |
| Cake | Tea/Coffee |
| Soup | Breadsticks |
Special Meals
Rajdhani Express trains also offer special meals for passengers with specific dietary requirements or preferences. You can request for the following special meals:
| Special Meal | Description |
| Jain Meal | A vegetarian meal without onion, garlic, ginger, potato, carrot, etc. |
| Diabetic Meal | A low-sugar, low-salt, and low-fat meal |
| Continental Meal | A Western-style meal with pasta, salad, bread, etc. |
| Baby Meal | A soft and mashed meal for infants |
How to Order Meals
Passengers can order their meals in advance while booking tickets online through the IRCTC website or app. Onboard, meals can be ordered by filling out a menu card and handing it to the catering staff.
Another option is to call the 1800-111-139 and 1800-111-321 or SMS 139 with the PNR number and meal preferences.
Paying for Meals
The meals served on Rajdhani Express trains are optional, and the catering charges are included in the ticket fare. Passengers do not need to pay anything extra for the meals.
However, if passengers are satisfied with the service, they can tip the catering staff.
Addressing Concerns
If passengers are unhappy with the quality or quantity of the food, they can complain by calling the toll-free number 1800-111-139 or emailing care@irctc.co.in.
Passengers can also register their feedback on the IRCTC website or app. Your input is valuable for improvements.
How to Confirm Food Inclusion in Rajdhani Ticket?
To check if your Rajdhani ticket includes food, visit the official Indian Railways website or any authorized online booking platform.
You can also reach out to railway authorities or the on-board staff for confirmation. Information about food inclusion is typically available on your ticket or the reservation chart.
Conclusion
This blog post has addressed your query and provided a better understanding of the food services on Rajdhani Express trains.
Rajdhani Express is designed to offer a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, with food being a key part of it. So, when booking a Rajdhani ticket next time, don’t forget to savor the onboard dining experience. Safe travels!
FAQs
How to Check if Food is Included in Your Rajdhani Train Ticket
Yes, meals are typically included in the ticket price for Rajdhani Express trains, as they are premium trains offering full catering services. However, there are certain conditions to verify:
Check Your Ticket Type:
Food is included in AC First Class (1A), AC 2-Tier (2A), and AC 3-Tier (3A) tickets by default.
If you opted out of catering during ticket booking, food will not be included.
Review the Ticket Details:
Open your IRCTC ticket (e-ticket or physical copy).
Look for a note mentioning “Catering Charges Included.” If this is mentioned, food is part of your ticket.
Ticket Booking Option:
At the time of booking on IRCTC or other platforms, you are given the choice to opt in or out of catering services. If you chose “Yes,” food is included; if “No,” it is excluded.
Confirm Through the IRCTC Website/App:
Log in to your IRCTC account.
Check your ticket details under the “Booked Tickets” section to see catering details.
Contact Customer Care:
Call the Indian Railways helpline number (139) and provide your PNR number to confirm if catering is included.
What meals are provided on Rajdhani trains?
Depending on the time of your journey, meals may include breakfast, lunch, dinner, evening tea, and snacks. The meals are vegetarian or non-vegetarian as per your selection during booking.
How to Book Meals for a Rajdhani Train Ticket if I Opted Out During Booking?
Yes, if you opted out of catering, you can still purchase meals onboard from the pantry car. Alternatively, you can pre-order meals through the IRCTC e-Catering service via their website or mobile app. Simply enter your PNR number and choose from the available options.
WHY FOOD IS NOT SERVED IN RAJDHANI, IF YOU BOARD IT AFTER 9 PM
Food service on Rajdhani Express trains may be unavailable for passengers boarding after 9 PM due to logistical and operational constraints. Here’s why:
Pre-Ordered Meal Timings: Meals on Rajdhani Express are prepared based on the expected number of passengers and their boarding times. Since most evening meals are served between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, passengers boarding after this time may miss the designated meal distribution schedule.
Operational Efficiency: Catering services are designed to minimize waste and ensure quality. Preparing extra meals for late-night passengers could lead to food wastage if unused, especially as fewer passengers board at night.
Kitchen Limitations: The base kitchens that supply food to the trains operate within specific schedules aligned with train departure and meal times. They often close for night operations or shift focus to breakfast preparations after dinner.
Policy Considerations: The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) may have specific guidelines about late-night meal services to avoid disruptions and ensure the comfort of all passengers during quiet hours.
Pre-Booked Meals: If your ticket includes catering and you board after 9 PM, the railway staff may accommodate you with a meal or provide alternatives, depending on availability. If catering isn’t included, you’re advised to make prior arrangements.
What Can Passengers Do?
Request in Advance: Inform the catering staff or TTE (Train Ticket Examiner) about your meal requirements if you’re boarding late.
Pre-Order Online: Use apps or platforms like IRCTC’s eCatering service to order food that can be delivered to your boarding station.
Carry Your Own Snacks: This ensures you have something to eat regardless of train policies.
Checking with the IRCTC helpline before your journey can also clarify the food policy for your specific train and boarding time.