Non-veg food coming to Vande Bharat sleeper on Howrah-Kamakhya route: Eastern Railway

Kolkata: Non-vegetarian food options will soon be introduced on India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train operating between Howrah and Kamakhya, an Eastern Railway (ER) official said on Tuesday, following complaints from passengers over the current all-vegetarian menu.

The overnight train, which runs six days a week, has drawn criticism from a section of travellers who pointed out that only vegetarian meals were being served despite the route covering regions with strong non-vegetarian culinary traditions.

“Non-vegetarian food options are likely to be available in the menu of the Vande Bharat sleeper train within about a week,” an ER official told PTI.

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The train was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17 and began its regular commercial operations from Kamakhya station in Guwahati on January 22, with services from Howrah starting the following day.

Railway authorities have said the onboard catering is designed to reflect regional flavours, with Assamese cuisine being served on departures from Kamakhya and West Bengal’s local cuisine on services originating from Howrah. Both regional cuisines are known for their emphasis on non-vegetarian dishes, including fish and meat.

Non-vegetarian meals are already available on other premium trains such as the Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express and Vande Bharat day services.

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Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar said Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had assured him that non-vegetarian options would be added to the sleeper train’s menu. According to Majumdar, the service was launched with a vegetarian menu but would soon expand to include non-vegetarian fare.

“People of both West Bengal and Assam are mostly non-vegetarian, so such delicacies will be offered in the Vande Bharat sleeper train,” he said, adding that the Trinamool Congress was attempting to politicise the issue.