The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi:
Indian Railways has launched a new initiative to serve regional cuisines on Vande Bharat trains, aiming to enrich the passenger experience by offering authentic local flavours and culturally relevant meals during journeys.
According to an official release from the Ministry of Railways, the move brings the diversity of India’s culinary heritage directly to passengers, allowing them to enjoy traditional dishes from different regions while travelling in comfort.
Passengers on the 20101/20102 Nagpur–Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express can enjoy Maharashtra’s Kanda Poha, along with South Indian delicacies such as Dondakaya Karam Podi Fry and Andhra Pradesh’s Andhra Kodi Kura. Gujarati specialities are also part of the menu, with Methi Thepla served on the 20901 MMCT–GNC Vande Bharat Express and Masala Lauki on the 26902 SBIB–VRL Vande Bharat Express. Odisha’s Aloo Phulkopi is available on the 22895 Howrah–Puri Vande Bharat Express.
Kerala’s traditional cuisine, including white rice, Pachakka Cherupayar Mezhukku Perati, Kadala Curry, Kerala Paratha, plain curd, Palada Payasam and Appam, is being served on the 20633/34 Kasargod–Thiruvananthapuram and 20631/32 Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express services.
From West Bengal, dishes such as Kosha Paneer are available on the 20872 Rourkela–Howrah Vande Bharat Express, while Aloo Potol Bhaja is served on the 22895 Howrah–Puri Vande Bharat Express. Bihar’s signature flavours have also found a place on board, with Champaran Paneer offered on the 22349 Patna–Ranchi Vande Bharat Express and Champaran Chicken on the 22348 Patna–Howrah Vande Bharat Express.
Dogri cuisine, featuring Ambal Kaddu and Jammu Chana Masala, is being served on Vande Bharat trains numbered 26401–02 and 26403–04. Kashmiri specialities such as Tomato Chaman and Kesar Phirni are available on the 26401/02 and 26403/04 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express services.
Maharashtra’s Masala Upma is being offered on the 22229 CSMT–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, while West Bengal’s Murgir Jhol is part of the menu on the 22302 New Jalpaiguri–Howrah Vande Bharat Express.
Through this initiative, Indian Railways aims to celebrate the country’s rich and diverse food culture, making Vande Bharat journeys more memorable, immersive and enjoyable for passengers, the ministry said.
