Taste of India on Tracks: Railway Minister Vaishnaw Adds Regional Cuisine to Vande Bharat Journeys

Updated: December 14, 2025 10:34

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that local cuisine will be served on Vande Bharat trains, later expanding to all trains. The initiative aims to enhance passenger experience by reflecting regional culture and flavors. It also supports local food producers, promoting India’s culinary diversity while strengthening tourism and cultural integration.

Passengers aboard India’s flagship Vande Bharat Express trains will soon enjoy region-specific local cuisine, announced Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a review meeting at Rail Bhawan. The initiative aims to enrich the travel experience by reflecting the culture and culinary diversity of the regions these trains traverse.

Key Highlights

Local Cuisine Onboard: Railway Minister Vaishnaw directed officials to introduce regional dishes on Vande Bharat trains, ensuring passengers can savor food that resonates with the local culture.

Progressive Rollout: The plan will begin with Vande Bharat trains and later expand to all trains across the Indian Railways network, making regional cuisine a nationwide offering.

Enhanced Passenger Experience: Officials emphasized that the move will significantly improve onboard dining, offering travelers a taste of authentic local flavors rather than standardized menus.

Ministerial Review: The announcement came during a meeting attended by Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu, highlighting collaboration between railways and food sectors.

Cultural Integration: The initiative is part of Indian Railways’ broader vision to blend travel with cultural immersion, allowing passengers to connect with India’s diverse traditions through food.

Other Updates: Vaishnaw also noted that Indian Railways’ crackdown on fake ticket bookings has yielded results, with about 5,000 new user IDs added daily on IRCTC after stricter identity verification measures.

Broader Context

The Vande Bharat Express, known for its speed, comfort, and modern amenities, has become a symbol of India’s railway modernization drive. Introducing local cuisine onboard adds a cultural dimension to the journey, making travel not just about reaching destinations but also about experiencing India’s culinary heritage.

From idlis in the South to dhoklas in Gujarat and parathas in North India, passengers can expect menus that celebrate regional diversity. This initiative also supports local food producers and culinary businesses, creating economic opportunities while promoting India’s rich gastronomic traditions.

Risks: Ensuring quality, hygiene, and consistency across diverse menus may be challenging. Logistics of sourcing fresh local food for long-distance trains will require robust planning.

Opportunities: The initiative can boost tourism, promote regional cuisines, and strengthen India’s image as a country of diverse flavors. It also aligns with the government’s push for “Make in India” and local empowerment.”

The local cuisine initiative in Vande Bharat trains is a step toward making train journeys more immersive, enjoyable, and culturally rich, offering passengers a true taste of India on the move.

Sources: Zee News, WebIndia123, India TV News, The Statesman, Indian Express

Stay Ahead – Explore Now! Royal Journeys On Rails: Four Luxury Trains That Redefine Travel In India