IRCTC to offer Kashmiri veg meals on Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat trains

In a bid to promote the rich culinary heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Railways, in collaboration with IRCTC, has begun serving authentic local vegetarian cuisine on the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, starting Sunday.

As part of this initiative, Railways and IRCTC will prepare and serve traditional regional dishes to passengers during breakfast and lunch on the Vande Bharat trains. The menu includes popular items such as kehwa, fresh bakery products, rajma, Kashmiri pulao, babru, ambal, and fresh apples.

“Upon the arrival of passengers at Katra station on Sunday, they were introduced to the new local cuisine. The initiative received an encouraging response, with most passengers opting for the local menu and praising the quality and taste of the food,” an official said.

Speaking about the initiative, IRCTC Chairman Harjot Singh Sandhu stated that the facility is designed to offer passengers in the Kashmir Valley an authentic and memorable travel experience, allowing them to enjoy the region’s flavors even before reaching their destination.

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

Some of the featured local dishes include Ambal Kaddu (a sweet and sour pumpkin curry in Dogra style), Babru (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 offer passengers 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 to the rest of the country’s rail network. Commercial operations began the following day, initially offering IRCTC’s standard menu.