IRCTC introduces local cuisines on Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express

Jammu, Sep 7: To promote the rich culinary heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, Railways, in collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), has started serving authentic local vegetarian cuisine on the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express from Sunday, September 7, 2025.

To facilitate this unique initiative, Indian Railways and IRCTC will prepare and serve traditional local cuisine to passengers during breakfast and lunch on the Vande Bharat train. Their menu includes dishes like Kehwa, fresh bakery items, Rajma, Kashmiri Pulao, Babru, Ambal and fresh apples.

On arrival of passengers at Katra station today, September 7, 2025, they were given a warm welcome and were introduced to the new local cuisine.

The initiative received an encouraging response, with most people opting for the local menu and praising the quality and taste of the food.

Speaking on the initiative, IRCTC chairman Harjot Singh Sandhu said that the facility was aimed at providing an authentic and memorable travel experience to passengers in the Kashmir Valley, giving them the perfect opportunity to enjoy the flavours on the spot, even before their destination station.

Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, said, “This model will have state-of-the-art hygienic kitchens. Packaging will also be improved – from aluminium foil to airline-style Teflon-coated casseroles and eco-friendly coir trays in place of plastic. Professional supervisors will oversee the operations and staff training to maintain high standards.”

Some of the special local dishes include Ambal Kaddu (a sweet and sour pumpkin curry in Dogra style); Babroo (a stuffed puri popular in the hilly areas); Jammu Paratha for breakfast; and Paneer Chaman, Kashmiri Dum Aloo and Jammu Rajma for lunch.

These dishes are being prepared using traditional spices and cooking methods to give travellers an authentic taste of the region.

The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, marking a major milestone by connecting Srinagar with the rest of the country's rail network. Commercial operations began the next day, initially with IRCTC's standard menu.

Railways and IRCTC have now implemented a special scheme to promote regional cuisine in premier trains, which was launched today with Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat trains No. 26401, 26402, 26403 and 26404.

For passengers who prefer traditional food, options like upma, poha and vegetarian cutlets will also be available with the new regional menu.

“This initiative reflects a comprehensive effort by Indian Railways to celebrate the culinary diversity of India and provide passengers with a rich travel experience connected to the local culture,” Singhal said.