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Under the Akshaya Patra scheme, IRCTC is offering hygienic meals in general coaches for just Rs 80, which includes dal, rice, roti, veg, pickle, packed like top food brands
The food is being distributed by IRCTC vendors directly inside the coaches, ensuring passengers don’t need to leave their seats. (News18 Hindi)
Passengers travelling in general coaches often face several inconveniences during train journeys, especially when it comes to access to food and drinking water. In a significant move, IRCTC has launched an initiative aimed at improving this experience by offering hygienic, affordable meals and water directly to passengers in general class coaches.
Under the Akshaya Patra scheme, IRCTC is now serving high-quality meals, similar to those offered in AC coaches, for just Rs 80. The meal includes dal, rice, vegetables, roti, pickle, a napkin, and a spoon, all packed neatly like those from well-known food brands. The food is being distributed by IRCTC vendors directly inside the coaches, ensuring passengers don’t need to leave their seats.
To make the service more accessible, tables are also being set up outside the general compartments at selected stations, particularly where passengers may not want to leave their seats for fear of losing them. This setup is currently operational at New Delhi railway station.
As of now, the service has been rolled out in six trains, Gomti Express, Srinagar Ganganagar–New Delhi Intercity Express, Kaifiyaat SF Express, Ayodhya Express, Barauni–Loni Express, and Darbhanga–New Delhi Express. IRCTC also plans to expand this initiative to six more trains in the near future.
Passengers have responded positively to the initiative, appreciating the convenience and quality of the meals. Encouraged by the feedback, IRCTC is preparing to introduce the service at three more major stations: Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Lucknow.
This step marks a major shift in enhancing travel comfort for general class passengers, who are often overlooked when it comes to onboard facilities.
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