New Delhi: For decades, train food in India has been a subject of mixed reviews, with hygiene often being a major concern for travellers. However, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) appears to be setting a new gold standard with the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.

A recent video shared by travel vlogger Aditya Yadav has taken the internet by storm, showcasing a level of service rarely seen on Indian tracks.

The footage reveals a transformation in on-board hospitality that many are calling "equivalent to an airline experience."

In the viral clip, railway staff are seen wearing complete hygiene gear—including masks, hairnets, and gloves. Meals are served from high-tech, enclosed blue trolleys, mirroring the efficiency and cleanliness of flight attendants.

The absence of litter and the pristine condition of the compartments have led passengers to believe that the era of "unhygienic train food" may finally be over.

This upgrade is part of a broader reform by Indian Railways to replace standard menus with authentic local cuisines. The pilot project, which began earlier this year, aims to provide passengers with a taste of the region they are traveling through.

The inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper, running between Howrah and Kamakhya, is already serving a curated Bengali and Assamese menu:

The Bengali Feast (Up Journey): Passengers can enjoy Basanti Pulao, Cholar Dal, and authentic Bengali Chicken Curry or Murgir Jhol.

The Assamese Flavors (Down Journey): The menu shifts to include Jeera Corn Pulao, Mixed Dal, and Assamese-style Chicken Masala.

The pilot project is currently active on six major routes, including Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Srinagar. According to official reports, these reforms are expected to be rolled out across the entire Indian Railways network soon.