Train Food Ordering on Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
Indian Railways just launched their first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Excitement was high within the passengers, with even the images of Vande Bharat train interiors getting viral for their beauty and sophistication. Everything went great on the first day of the journey. However, by the second day, passengers started flagging issues over train food delivery.
What are the issues related to the food delivery in Vande Bharat, what it says about pantry food and how can passengers overcome this challenge to insure comfort and satisfaction. This blog will answer each of these questions with credible answers.
Issues with IRCTC Train Food Ordering on Vande Bharat Sleeper
Passengers who boarded the newly launched Vande Bharat Sleeper trains have raised issues of consistency. On the first day of the journey the food was delivered with premium Vande Bharat packaging and logos. Passengers lauded railways for truly providing premium services on premium trains.
However, after a few days passengers started sharing photos and the difference was quite visible. On the first day the food was provided in the standard black thali with multiple compartments for different food items. After a few days, the food was delivered in the local aluminum boxes which are usually used in pantry car food for regular trains.
Passengers took to social media to highlight the issue. Railways clarified the issue, saying the same entity prepares the food and serves identical meals on both the first day and subsequent dates.
Why Food Becomes a Bigger Issue on Premium Trains
Food complaints are not new to Indian Railways. They’ve existed for decades. What has changed is expectation. When you brand a train as premium, people judge it differently.
On ordinary trains, passengers often lower expectations. On Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, they don’t. Vande Bharat trains charge a premium pricing and the passengers expect premium service.
There is also the reality of bulk cooking. Meals prepared hours in advance, reheated and served onboard, can never taste the same every time. Add changing vendors, station delays, and storage issues, and quality naturally fluctuates.
This is where the gap begins between what passengers expect and what traditional onboard catering can reliably deliver.
RailMitra’s Role in Improving the Food Experience
RailMitra fits into this changing travel behaviour naturally. Instead of positioning itself as a replacement for railway catering, it offers passengers a choice. With RailMitra, travellers can:
- Order food using their PNR
- Choose from FSSAI-approved restaurants
- Select meals that suit their taste and diet
- Get food delivered directly to their seat or berth
- Get specialised food items such as Jain and pure veg food in train
For overnight journeys, this matters. A decent meal can mean better rest and a better arrival experience the next day.
Many passengers already use RailMitra not because onboard food is always bad, but because they don’t want uncertainty. They prefer knowing what they’re eating.
Train Food Ordering with RailMitra: Step by Step Guide
The train food ordering process is so simple and easy with RailMitra. You can access it through the website or train application available on both the Android and iOS. Just follow these steps:
- Go to RailMitra.com or install the Application.
- Select Food in Train option.
- You can order by two methods: PNR Method or Train No./Name method.
- PNR Method: Enter 10-digit PNR Number and click on Order Now.
- Train No./Name method: Enter Train No./Name, Boarding Date and click on Order Now. Enter the Boarding Station.
- Select the Station where you want to receive your food
- Select the Restaurant of your choice, choose your favorite meals and add them to the cart.
- Click on View Cart and Proceed.
- Enter Customer Details and Select a Payment option.
- Apply Coupon Codes.
- Hit Place Order.
You have successfully placed your food order and it will be delivered on your train seat.
The Limitations of IRCTC Onboard Catering
It’s important to say this clearly that running food services on moving trains is not easy. Indian Railways serves millions daily. Even small gaps in execution become visible at scale.
Onboard catering faces multiple challenges:
- Meals are prepared in bulk, affecting freshness
- Menu flexibility is limited
- Passengers cannot opt out easily
- Quality varies depending on route and vendor
For regular trains, passengers tolerate this. For premium sleeper trains, tolerance is lower. This doesn’t mean railways are not trying. Monitoring has improved. Complaint systems exist. But consistency remains a challenge.
Why Train Food Ordering Platforms Are Gaining Trust
As these limitations persist, passengers are finding practical alternatives. Ordering food from station-based restaurants has become a preferred option for many.
Train food ordering platforms work differently. Nearby restaurants prepare the food shortly before delivery. They do not cook it in bulk hours earlier. The passenger chooses the meal, not the other way around.
This model suits modern travellers better, especially those paying for premium services like Vande Bharat Sleeper trains.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains and Rising Expectations
The Vande Bharat brand represents progress. Faster trains. Better design. Cleaner coaches. With that comes responsibility.
Food quality is not a minor detail on sleeper trains. It’s part of the overall experience. The recent complaints show that passengers are paying attention and they’re vocal when expectations aren’t met.
While IRCTC maintains that standards are consistent, passenger feedback suggests that experience varies. Until this gap is fully addressed, external solutions will continue to play a role.
A Practical Choice for Today’s Passenger
Not every issue needs a long-term policy fix. Sometimes, passengers just want a practical solution for their next journey.
Using a train food ordering platform like RailMitra is one such solution. It doesn’t depend on promises or perception. It depends on choice.
For someone travelling on a Vande Bharat Sleeper train, that choice can remove one major source of uncertainty.
Conclusion
The conversation around food quality on Vande Bharat Sleeper trains has highlighted a familiar issue in Indian rail travel. While official responses assure consistency, passenger experiences tell a more mixed story. When the available food options on trains are subpar, it is natural to look for alternate train food ordering platforms.
Passengers who do not want to compromise on their food, RailMitra provides a brilliant option to enjoy restaurant quality food on trains. Good food not only satisfies your tummy, but also enhances the experience of your overall journey.