Catering services optional in Rajdhani, Shatabdi trains

The Railway Ministry has decided to make catering services optional in Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains.

As a first step, the ministry will start on Friday a 45-day trial to assess the impact of the withdrawal of mandatory catering services.

The trial is being conducted on Mumbai bound August Kranti Rajdhani Express and Pune-Secunderabad Shatabdi Express.

“Catering services will be included by default. Passengers have to specifically ‘opt out’ from the mandatory food option. Catering apportionment charges will be excluded from total ticket fare accordingly,” said Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Wednesday.

If the passenger decides to ‘Opt Out’ from mandatory catering service at the time of booking the ticket, he or she will not be allowed to change it at any point of journey. 

The exclusion of catering apportionment charges will reduce the fare of the ticket and a passenger will have to pay less. 

In Rajdhani trains, a passenger travelling in Ist class AC or Executive Class pays Rs 340 for a meal. He or she pays Rs 295 if he travels in 2 AC, 3AC or Chair Car.

 In Shatabdi trains, a passenger travelling in 1st class pays Rs 260 in the morning for tea, breakfast and lunch and Rs 195 in the evening for evening tea and dinner.