In a landmark move to enhance the travel experience for millions of railway passengers, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a partnership with the Akshaya Patra Foundation to introduce hygienic, affordable, and eco-friendly meals priced at just Rs 80. The initiative, set to launch just before Independence Day 2025, directly addresses long-standing passenger grievances regarding substandard food quality and overcharging.
This collaboration brings together IRCTC’s extensive network with the renowned efficiency and hygiene standards of Akshaya Patra, a non-profit acclaimed for its massive mid-day meal program for schoolchildren. The move is seen by experts as a significant step towards rebuilding passenger trust and setting a new benchmark for onboard catering in India.
A Response to Passenger Complaints
The decision to launch this new meal service comes in the wake of persistent issues plaguing railway catering. A recent Railway Board report highlighted that nearly 27% of daily passenger complaints are related to food, ranging from poor quality to inflated prices. By teaming up with a trusted organization like Akshaya Patra, IRCTC aims to provide a reliable and satisfying dining option for travelers.
Ajit Kumar Sinha, Chief Regional Manager of IRCTC-Lucknow, confirmed that the service will be rolled out gradually, beginning with an initial 100 meal plates per day and scaling up based on demand.
What’s on the Menu for Rs 80?
For a standardized price of Rs 80, passengers will receive a wholesome and balanced vegetarian meal that includes:
- 200 grams of plain rice
- 2 chapatis
- 150 grams of dal (lentil soup)
- 100 grams of mixed dry vegetables
- A side of pickle
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Indian Railways to provide quality food at controlled prices, similar to the “Economy Meals” scheme which also aims to curb overcharging by unauthorized vendors.
A Commitment to Sustainability
A key feature of this new service is its focus on environmental responsibility. All meals will be served on plates made from corn flour, a biodegradable material that aligns with Indian Railways’ broader push to reduce single-use plastics and promote sustainability. This eco-conscious approach enhances the value proposition, offering not just an affordable meal but also an environmentally friendly one.
How to Order and Availability
Passengers will be able to conveniently pre-order these meals through the IRCTC e-catering platform, including the official website and mobile app. The service will be available for delivery at select railway stations and onboard trains, with an initial launch planned for major hubs like New Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur before expanding further.
This partnership is expected to have a significant impact on the passenger experience, particularly for those in general coaches who have historically had limited access to hygienic and affordable food options during their journeys. The collaboration with Akshaya Patra signals a strategic shift for IRCTC, prioritizing quality, transparency, and sustainability in its catering operations.
Starting Prior to Independence Day
Ajit Kumar Sinha, Chief Regional Manager of IRCTC-Lucknow, stated that the new meal service will be introduced just before Independence Day in 2025. Starting with 100 food plates each day, the program will be implemented gradually and scaled up in response to demand. Meals will be served aboard trains as well as at a few railroad stations.
In keeping with the Railways’ larger initiative to promote sustainability and lessen the use of single-use plastics, each meal will be presented on plates composed of maize flour.
