Vande Bharat Express: Passengers Will Not Be Able To Opt Out Of Meals, Except On Prayagraj-Varanasi Stretch

In contrast to the choice offered to passengers on premium trains such as the Shatabdi, Rajdhani and others, travellers journeying aboard the Vande Bharat Express (formerly known as Train 18), will not be able to opt out of meals in advance, reports The Hindu. However, passengers taking the train on the last leg, that is from Prayagraj to Varanasi, can choose to not opt for the meals.

The price of the meals will have to be paid during the time of booking, as part of catering charges. Those travelling between Prayagraj and Varanasi will be able to opt out during the booking process.

If a passenger opted out previously, he would still have the option of availing of a meal during travel on payment of Rs 50.

The catering service on premium trains is carried out by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Previously, in order to avoid overcharging and wastage, it decided to start making meals on trains such as the Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto optional for passengers.

The cost of the tickets on such trains was thus reduced by up to Rs 250.

As for the Vande Bharat Express, it consists of two different classes: executive and chair car. These two classes will also have differently priced meals. For example, for the complete route from New Delhi to Varanasi, passengers journeying in the executive class will have to shell out Rs 399 for morning tea, breakfast and lunch, while those travelling in the chair car class will be charged Rs 344.