IRCTC is bringing a flavorful update to the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express — get ready to enjoy authentic Kashmiri vegetarian cuisine onboard starting from the second week of July!
A Flavorful Journey Awaits Vande Bharat Travelers
IRCTC is bringing a flavorful update to the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express — get ready to enjoy authentic Kashmiri vegetarian cuisine onboard starting from the second week of July! In an effort to merge travel comfort with regional culture, this new culinary initiative is designed to elevate the passenger experience on one of India’s most scenic and strategically important train routes.
Bringing Kashmir’s Culinary Heritage to Your Table
Launched on June 6 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has already made headlines for cutting travel time by 2–3 hours. Now, IRCTC is taking things one step further — by offering regionally inspired vegetarian meals onboard.
This move is part of a broader effort by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to integrate local flavors into premium trains like Vande Bharat and Rajdhani Express. According to Anand Kumar Jha, Additional General Manager at IRCTC, the new food service will begin in mid-July, bringing a unique culinary twist to the high-speed journey through Jammu and Kashmir.
What’s on the Plate? A Preview of the Onboard Kashmiri Menu
The food onboard won’t just be nutritious — it will tell a story. According to an IRCTC official, the dishes have been thoughtfully curated after consulting top hotels and restaurants like Nathu’s, JW Marriott, ITC, and Holiday Inn to ensure authenticity and high quality.
Breakfast Selections
- Ambal Kaddu: A traditional Dogra dish made with pumpkin, known for its distinct sweet and tangy flavor. It holds cultural significance and is commonly prepared during festive gatherings and weddings in the region.
- Babru: A beloved breakfast delicacy from the Himalayan foothills, Babru is a deep-fried flatbread stuffed with spiced black gram paste. Crisp on the outside and flavourful within, it’s a morning favourite in the region’s colder climates.
- Jammu Paratha: A hearty, flaky flatbread native to the Jammu region, often enjoyed with regional chutneys and pickles — a comforting breakfast staple in local households.
Lunch Delights
- Paneer Chaman: A signature Kashmiri vegetarian delight, Paneer Chaman features soft cottage cheese simmered in a saffron-infused gravy. Rich in traditional spices and mellow flavours, it’s a dish that captures the soul of Kashmiri cuisine.
- Kashmiri Dum Aloo: This authentic dish transforms baby potatoes into a slow-cooked masterpiece, steeped in a thick, spiced yoghurt gravy. Kashmiri Dum Aloo balances heat and creaminess, offering a comforting yet bold taste of the Valley.
- Jammu Rajma: A wholesome red kidney bean curry native to the Jammu region, this version of Rajma is known for its earthy flavour and spicy kick. Often paired with steamed rice, it remains a regional favourite for its hearty, home-style appeal.
For passengers who prefer standard meals, IRCTC will also provide alternatives like poha, upma, and vegetable cutlets.
Crafted with Authenticity and Local Ingredients
The idea behind this initiative is more than just adding variety — it’s about celebrating regional identity. According to IRCTC officials, these dishes will be prepared using local spices and cooking techniques to ensure authenticity.
This approach mirrors IRCTC’s recent efforts on other routes. For instance, South Indian delicacies like steamed matta rice and banana kalan were recently introduced on the Thiruvananthapuram Rajdhani, and a similar plan is underway for the Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat, featuring Maharashtrian and Hyderabadi cuisine based on the train direction.
A High-Speed Train Built for Tough Terrains
While the focus is currently on food, it’s worth noting the engineering marvel that is the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express. Designed to operate even in extreme cold (up to -20°C), the train includes:
- Heated windshields for snow and fog visibility
- Air dryer system for moisture control
- 5 kVA transformer for consistent power supply
- Automatic doors, mobile charging points, CCTV, and vacuum-based heating systems for passenger comfort and safety
This train also traverses two of India’s most iconic railway bridges:
- Anji Khad Bridge: This route includes the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s pioneering cable-stayed railway bridge, an engineering marvel that connects challenging mountainous terrain with stability and strength.
- Chenab Bridge: The train also crosses the Chenab Bridge, globally recognized as the tallest railway arch bridge, standing as a symbol of India’s infrastructure excellence.
Part of a Bigger Picture: The USBRL Project
The Vande Bharat’s operation on this route is a milestone under the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. This 272-km project includes 36 tunnels (119 km total) and 943 bridges, built at a cost of ₹43,780 crore. Its goal is to create all-weather rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India — a game-changer for regional growth and tourism.
Conclusion: A Train That Serves More Than a Destination
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is more than a fast train — it’s a cultural journey wrapped in innovation and hospitality. With IRCTC’s decision to serve authentic Kashmiri vegetarian meals, the onboard experience now truly reflects the land it travels through.
Whether you’re heading to the serene valleys of Kashmir or returning from a spiritual visit to Katra, this journey promises more than speed — it promises a taste of tradition, comfort, and connection.
