New Delhi: Travelling by train is a unique experience, and one of the best parts of these journeys is the food. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is served on trains. But did you know there is one train that serves purely vegetarian food on its route?
The Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express serves only vegetarian food on this route. It was inaugurated on October 3, 2019, and since then, it has become a popular mode of travel between Delhi and Jammu.
Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: A Vegetarian Journey
The Vande Bharat Express train, which runs from New Delhi to Katra, will serve only vegetarian food. It is the first train in India to feature a menu with only vegetarian options.
This route is strictly prohibited, and passengers are prohibited from bringing non-vegetarian food or snacks onboard. No eggs are served on this train route. According to several media reports, the kitchens on this route use only vegetarian ingredients, and even the staff is restrained from using or handling any non-vegetarian food.
Sattvik Certification and its Impact on Train Food
The New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express received a ‘Sattvik certification’, which was awarded by the Sattvik Council of India in collaboration with the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation). The certification promotes ‘vegetarian-friendly travel’, particularly on routes linked to religious destinations. The Sattvik Council of India began the Sattvik certification scheme in 2021.
Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express: Schedule and fares
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express is India’s second Vande Bharat Express train. It connects New Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian Railways operates this train, which runs six days a week between New Delhi, Ambala Cantt Jn, Ludhiana Jn, Pathankot Cantt, Jammu Tawi, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The train covers 655 km (407 miles) in 8 hours, averaging 82 km/h (51 mph) speed. Its maximum speed is 130 km/h (81 mph).
Currently, two Vande Bharat Express trains run between Delhi and Katra. These are Train number 22439/22440 from New Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi and Train number 22477/22478 from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to New Delhi.
There are two types of seating for ticket fares on the Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express: AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car. An AC Chair Car ticket costs Rs 1,665, while an Executive Chair Car ticket costs Rs 3,055.
There will be no Vande Bharat service on this route for 50 days. Indian Railways has cancelled the service between Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) from January 16 to March 6, 2025. This cancellation is due to necessary work at the Jammu yard, which is part of the Jammu station redevelopment project.
The Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express is India’s first fully vegetarian train route, offering a unique travel experience. Sattvik-certified, it boasts a menu exclusively featuring vegetarian options and prohibits non-vegetarian food onboard. This route, connecting Delhi to Katra, a significant religious destination, is popular for its speed and convenience. Biz News Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
