Over the past 11–12 years, Indian Railways has undergone significant modernization under the Modi government, including full track electrification and large-scale railway station redevelopment to improve passenger comfort and convenience.
A major recent addition is India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, which runs between Howrah in West Bengal and Kamakhya in Assam.
At present, meals served on this train are strictly vegetarian.
Reports indicate that Eastern Railway plans to introduce non-vegetarian meal options soon.
Eastern Railway to Introduce Non-Vegetarian Meal Options Soon
The move to add non-vegetarian food was reportedly made after a request from the BJP’s West Bengal unit.
According to The Telegraph, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar spoke with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to request the inclusion of non-vegetarian meals on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.
The Railway Minister assured that non-vegetarian options would be provided soon and that an official notification would be issued within two to three days.
A formal decision has been taken to serve non-vegetarian food on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train on January 17.
Commercial operations of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train began on January 22.
Even before the train’s launch, controversy arose when the Trinamool Congress criticized the BJP for offering only vegetarian meals.
Sukanta Majumdar Explains Delay in Full Services on New Vande Bharat Train
Non-vegetarian food is an essential part of daily diets in both West Bengal and Assam.
Fish, meat, and eggs are commonly consumed staples in these states.
There are no religious restrictions on offering or consuming non-vegetarian food at Kali temples or the Kamakhya Temple.
As per Eastern Railway officials, non-vegetarian dishes will be introduced on the train soon.
The Trinamool Congress previously claimed on social media that serving only vegetarian food was an attack on Bengali food culture.
Sukanta Majumdar, MP from Balurghat, said that the train is newly launched and that not all services can be implemented on the first day.
