'Rail Neer' free no more? IRCTC 'no food' option creates confusion among passengers

Train is an integral part of a common man's life in India and so it goes without saying so are the amenities that are provided on this transport.

But, recently, there has some confusion regarding the complimentary 'Rail Neer' water bottle that is provided to the passengers onboard.

According to a report by Indian Express, the post-Covid era saw Indian Railways keeping meals as optional for passengers. Those who book their tickets online can simply chose whether or not they want a meal during the journey and book according to their convenience.

At the moment, Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express and Vande Bharat Express are the only trains in which food charges are already included in the ticket fare.

If one wants to opt out of the meal option, they must simply select the choice and the amount will automatically be deducted from the total fare.

However, the passengers do have the option of opting for meals during the journey itself even if they have initially declined the option.

However, this very optional option has given rise to confusion among passengers regarding the complimentary 'Rail Neer' water bottle.

With meals becoming optional, travellers were apprehensive that choosing 'no meal' option would also result in no water.

An IRCTC official has cleared all confusion and emphatically stated that water is free for all whether you opt for meals or not.

However, another confusion has erupted over the past few days over meals being made compulsory on premium trains like—Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express and Vande Bharat.

Many users said that the app and website are mandating travelers to chose a meal option. This confusion too was erased when a senior railway official dismissed these claims, saying the option to opt out of meals in available on the website, with only minor changes made to its placement.