Kolkata – Non-vegetarian food options are set to be introduced on India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train operating between Howrah and Kamakhya, an Eastern Railway (ER) official announced on Tuesday.
The move comes after concerns were raised by passengers regarding the current vegetarian-only menu on the six-day-a-week overnight service. An ER official stated that non-vegetarian dishes are expected to be added to the menu within approximately a week.
The train, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17, began its regular commercial service from Kamakhya station in Guwahati on January 22, followed by its departure from Howrah the next day.
Railway authorities have assured that the onboard meals will reflect local flavors—Assamese cuisine for the Kamakhya route and West Bengal cuisine for the Howrah route—both of which traditionally feature a significant amount of non-vegetarian dishes, including fish and meat.
Non-vegetarian options are already available in other premium trains such as the Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, and Vande Bharat day trains.
Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar confirmed that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had assured him non-vegetarian food would be served on the sleeper train as well. Majumdar stated that Vaishnaw explained the current menu includes vegetarian fare, but non-vegetarian options are forthcoming, emphasizing the cultural preferences of passengers from West Bengal and Assam.
Majumdar also criticized the Trinamool Congress for allegedly making an issue out of the matter, asserting that offering non-vegetarian dishes aligns with regional dietary habits.
