Many people who follow a strict vegetarian diet often have their own concerns while traveling in a train since they are skeptical of the hygiene and preparation of vegetarian food on board. However, Indian Railways has decided to roll out a train especially for people with such diets. The Vande Bharat Express from Delhi to Katra is the first vegetarian train in India, serving only vegetarian options and excluding meat, eggs, and other non-vegetarian items. Here’s what you need to know about the first vegetarian train in India.
Delhi To Katra Vande Bharat Express: First Vegetarian Train In India
No Non-Vegetarian Food On The Delhi To Katra Vande Bharat Express
The Vande Bharat Express is operational between Delhi and Katra in Jammu and Kashmir and will now serve only vegetarian food on the menu. It has been reported that passengers will not get to carry or consume non vegetarian options such as meat and eggs.
The waitstaff and kitchen personnel will not handle or serve any non-vegetarian food items. Additionally, the train’s kitchen will exclusively use vegetarian ingredients, ensuring a hygienic environment for those who prefer to avoid any interference with their strictly vegetarian diet.
Sattvik Certification For Ensuring Food Hygiene, 18 More Trains To Have It
Reports also state that the train will be one of its kind to receive a ‘Sattvik’ certificate. This is reported to be part of an agreement between Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and the Sattvic Council of India. The latter is government-accredited and is the world’s leading vegetarian food & lifestyle regulatory standards development organization. Not just that, but the Sattvik Council of India also plans to implement this ‘vegetarian-only’ plan in 18 more trains across India.
Abhishek Biswas, founder of the Sattvic Council of India, released a statement to several news agencies recently. In the statement he clarified that there are several factors that are considered before granting a ‘Sattvik’ certificate. These factors are cooking techniques, kitchens, storage facilities, and serving methods. It is only after a thorough evaluation that a train receives the certificate.
Low-Calorie, Gluten-Free Snacks Along With An All-Vegetarian Menu
While the Vande Bharat Express from Delhi to Katra will feature a vegetarian-only menu, it will also cater to health-conscious travelers. They’ll have the option to choose between a range of low-calorie and gluten-free snacks. Moreover, these snacks will be served in eco-friendly packaging, ensuring that travelers experience a sustainable and health-conscious journey on their way to Katra.
Vande Bharat Express From Delhi To Katra: Route, Timings, And More
The Vande Bharat Express will run between New Delhi and Katra, home to the famous Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. As the town of Katra houses the revered temple of Mata Vaishno Devi, it does not allow the sale and consumption of alcohol and meat in the town. Many devotees visit Katra to pay their respects at this temple.
This train will feature a vegetarian-only menu for such passengers, as many practicing Hindus believe that consumption of meat and alcohol, especially when on a pilgrimage, is not a sacred act. Many Hindus completely abstain from consuming meat or alcohol in the first place.
The train will travel a distance of 655 kilometers, stopping at major stations such as Ambala, Ludhiana, and Jammu Tawi, and is expected to complete the journey in approximately 8 hours. Operations of this train were suspended in the first half of 2025 due to technical issues and maintenance. However, it is anticipated that services will resume soon.
The semi high-speed train leaves from New Delhi at 6:00 AM and reaches Katra by 2:15 PM on the same day. From Katra, it leaves by 2:55 PM and reaches New Delhi by 9:00 PM. This train runs on all days except Wednesday.
The train features two types of seating accommodations – AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car. The AC Chair Car has a ticket price of INR 1665, while the Executive Chair Car is priced at INR 3,055.
New Delhi To Srinagar Vande Bharat To Mandatorily Halt At Katra
The Indian Railways is also planning to begin operations of the New Delhi – Srinagar Vande Bharat Express soon. This train will not be a direct train but will require passengers to mandatorily halt at Katra for health and safety protocols. They’ll then have to change trains at Katra.
However, the journey will be a single-ticket journey and passengers will not have to buy two separate tickets for the same. Officials have also stated that Katra will have dedicated waiting lounges for travelers as they wait for their departure to Srinagar.
Summing Up
The Vande Bharat Express from Delhi to Katra will feature an all-vegetarian menu, becoming the first vegetarian train in India. As Katra is a town of spiritual importance in Hinduism, the Vande Bharat Express that will halt here will not serve meat and eggs. This is to make passengers traveling to Katra more comfortable on their journey by ensuring high-quality, hygienic vegetarian meals. What do you think of this move?
