In a significant move aimed at transforming the on-board dining experience for rail passengers, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) has initiated Proof of Concept (PoC) meal trials across select Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains.
The initiative was announced on December 11, 2025, marking a decisive shift in the corporation’s approach to catering, which is currently serving nearly 16.50 lakh meals daily across the Indian Railways network, said a IRCTC Press release.
Positioned as a “Paradigm Shift” in service quality, the PoC aims to bring evident improvements to the entire catering chain from kitchen infrastructure and meal production to transfer and on-board service.
Notably, IRCTC is experimenting with de-linking meal production from meal service by onboarding reputed branded food and beverage operators, including industrial kitchens, restaurant chains and flight caterers. The effort seeks to provide passengers with fresher, more hygienic and restaurant-quality meals.
The trials are being rolled out on several newly introduced trains, including Train Number: 20101/20102 - Nagpur–Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express by M/s Haldiram’s (Nagpur) and Elior (Secunderabad), Train number: 14047/14048 Delhi–Sitamarhi Amrit Bharat - M/s Touch Stone Foundation (Delhi).
Passengers have already responded positively to the enhanced meal offerings, particularly the inclusion of diverse regional delicacies. IRCTC Stated that insights gathered from the ongoing trials will help shape future improvements and potential expansion of upgraded catering services for travellers nationwide.
