Indian Railways: The country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train, which is successfully running between Howrah and Kamakhya, is now set to offer passengers a significant culinary experience. When this high-tech train launched on January 17, 2026, only vegetarian meals were offered. However, keeping in mind the regional cuisines of states like West Bengal and Assam, the Railways has now taken the historic decision to include non-vegetarian meals on board.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav clarified on February 1, 2026, that the menu has been revised based on passenger preferences and feedback to ensure that passengers can enjoy their favorite dishes during long-distance travel.
What’s special about the non-vegetarian menu
According to the new guidelines issued by the Railways, passengers will now be able to choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals at the time of ticket booking. Passengers choosing the non-vegetarian option will be served chicken curry instead of paneer masala as the main course, consisting of approximately 50 to 60 grams of boneless chicken and 70 grams of gravy.
Special attention will be paid to Bengali and Assamese flavors when preparing this chicken dish to provide a home-like experience for local passengers. The rest of the menu remains unchanged, with items such as jeera corn pulao, tehtar paratha, mixed dal, and Assamese-style beans, along with traditional rasgullas for dessert.
Regional Culture and Passenger Demand
This change in the Vande Bharat Sleeper menu is not just a convenience but the result of a larger social and political debate. Fish, eggs, and chicken are integral parts of the daily diet in the areas along the route of this train, which runs between Howrah and Kamakhya.
Initially, passengers were inconvenienced by the availability of only vegetarian food, and the issue even sparked political debate. Respecting public sentiment, the Railways recognized that it is important to respect diversity in food, along with religious beliefs, and accordingly, the non-vegetarian option has been activated on the booking portal since the first week of February.
Other Features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper
This train is known not only for its food but also for its modern amenities, providing passengers with a comfortable journey at speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour. These include technologies such as sensor-based lighting, automatic doors, odor-free bio-vacuum toilets, and the Kavach security system.
This new dining facility will now be available in all three classes of the Vande Bharat Sleeper: First, Second, and Third AC, providing significant relief to both tourists and business travelers. The expanded dining options during this 14-hour journey are expected to increase both revenue and passenger satisfaction.
Vikram Singh
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