According to Union Minister Majumdar, the train’s menu features vegetarian meals for now, with non-vegetarian options set to be added.
Non-vegetarian food options will soon be available on India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train running between Howrah and Kamakhya, an Eastern Railway (ER) official confirmed on Tuesday.
Some passengers had raised concerns over the train currently serving only vegetarian meals on the newly-introduced six-day-a-week overnight service.
“Non-vegetarian food options are expected to be added to the Vande Bharat sleeper train menu within about a week,” the ER official told PTI.
The train was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17 and started its regular commercial run from Kamakhya station in Guwahati on January 22, and from Howrah the following day.
The Railways have assured passengers that the onboard menu will reflect local culinary flavors. Trains departing from Kamakhya will feature Assamese cuisine, while those from Howrah will offer West Bengal specialties.
Both Assam and West Bengal cuisines have a rich tradition of non-vegetarian dishes, including fish and meat delicacies.
Non-vegetarian meals are already available on other premium trains such as the Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, and Vande Bharat day trains.
Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, said Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has assured him that non-vegetarian options will also be served on the sleeper train.
Majumdar noted that the menu was initially introduced with vegetarian fare but will soon include non-vegetarian dishes.
He added, “People of both West Bengal and Assam are mostly non-vegetarian, so such delicacies will be offered on the Vande Bharat sleeper train.”
Majumdar also suggested that some political parties, including the Trinamool Congress, were trying to politicize the issue.
Passengers can now look forward to enjoying regional non-vegetarian specialties as part of their journey on India’s premium overnight train.
The addition of non-vegetarian meals is expected to enhance passenger experience and align the train’s menu with local culinary preferences.
With these changes, the Vande Bharat sleeper train aims to provide a more inclusive and authentic travel experience, reflecting the rich food culture of both states.
