Non-Veg Meals To Be Served On Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper After Backlash

Last Updated:February 01, 2026, 18:41 IST

Indian Railways will soon offer non-vegetarian meals on Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, Ashwini Vaishnaw announced, amid TMC criticism over menu choices on the Howrah–Kamakhya route.

The train is scheduled to start its maiden commercial journey on January 22. (Photo Credit: X)

Indian Railways will soon introduce non-vegetarian food options on Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday, amid a political controversy over the catering menu on the newly launched service.

Addressing a press conference at Rail Bhawan, Vaishnaw said passengers travelling on Vande Bharat Sleeper services would shortly be able to choose non-veg meals, expanding the catering choices currently available on the premium overnight trains.

“At present, vegetarian meals are being served. Non-vegetarian food options will be introduced soon for passengers travelling on Vande Bharat Sleeper trains," the minister said.

Veg, Non-Veg Controversy 

The catering issue has triggered sharp political reactions in West Bengal. Leaders of the Trinamool Congress accused the Centre of attempting to impose vegetarianism and disregarding the state’s food culture.

TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said passengers should have the freedom to choose their meals. “A Bengali thrives on fish and rice. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options should be available, and passengers must be free to choose," he said, adding that the current menu ignored the dietary habits of many travellers from the region.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, however, dismissed the criticism, accusing the TMC of politicising a routine operational matter.

Some passengers also raised concerns that the “no-food" option available on other Vande Bharat services was not provided on the Howrah–Kamakhya route, leaving them with no alternative to the preset catering package.

Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper

Currently, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is operational on the Howrah–Kamakhya route, connecting West Bengal with Assam. The train is designed to offer faster overnight travel with modern amenities and enhanced passenger comfort.

During its journey, the train halts at 13 stations: Bandel, Nabadwip Dham, Katwa, Azimganj, New Farakka, Malda Town, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Cooch Behar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon and Rangiya.

Railway officials said the introduction of non-vegetarian meals is part of broader efforts to improve onboard services and cater to diverse passenger preferences on long-distance premium routes.

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