With the onset of winter, train delays in India have become a common inconvenience for travelers, particularly on premium services like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto Express. Dense fog and reduced visibility often disrupt schedules, leading to extended waiting times. To address these challenges, Indian Railways, under the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) catering policy, provides free meals to passengers if their train is delayed by two or more hours beyond its scheduled arrival time. This service aims to ensure that passengers remain comfortable while waiting to board or reach their destinations.

Meal options for delayed trains

The meals offered vary depending on the time of day. Passengers may receive tea or coffee with biscuits, along with sugar, sugar-free sachets, and milk creamer. For breakfast or evening tea, the service includes four slices of bread with butter, a 200ml fruit drink, and tea or coffee. For lunch or dinner, passengers can choose between rice with yellow dal, rajma, or chole, accompanied by pickle sachets, or seven pooris with mixed vegetables, along with seasoning sachets.

Refunds and additional passenger amenities

In cases of severe delays, passengers are also eligible for a full refund. If a train is delayed by more than three hours or rerouted, travelers can cancel their tickets and claim a refund through the original booking channel. Those who booked at railway counters must cancel in person to receive a cash refund.

Indian Railways also extends additional facilities to ensure passenger comfort during delays. Waiting rooms are made available at no extra cost, and food stalls at railway stations operate for longer hours, especially to accommodate late-night travelers. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) deploys extra personnel during these periods to enhance passenger safety and security at stations.