India launched the Vande Bharat Express in 2019, starting a new era for the whole Indian railways. With its combination of luxury and contemporary facilities, this train—regarded as the pride of Indian Railways—offers a spectacular traveling experience.
The Kavach technology, a train collision avoidance system, is one of the cutting-edge safety elements included in Vande Bharat Express. Its bogies are built with completely suspended traction motors, allowing for a 160 mph operating speed. Additionally, passengers enjoy more comfortable riding thanks to the sophisticated suspension system, which guarantees a safe and smooth ride. All classes also have reclining chairs, while Executive Coaches have seats that can rotate 180 degrees.
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The Vande Bharat Express has 32-inch displays in each carriage that offer entertainment and passenger information. To ensure accessibility, the train also includes Divyang-friendly washrooms and seat handles with Braille letters indicating seat numbers. However, despite its numerous amenities, there have been multiple complaints regarding the train’s services. One such complaint gained significant attention on social media when a passenger posted a photo of the food served between Madgaon Junction and Mumbai.
‘Now vs then’ pictures of food on Vande Bharat Express went viral on social media
The traveler likened it to the meal provided during the train’s debut run and said it was “delicious” at first. He complained about the present meal quality and the accompanying Rs 250 fee, both of which he believed were unfair. In a tweet he wrote,
“Dear @drmmumbaicr @Central_Railway @KonkanRailway @RailwaySeva , Sharing few photos in the tweet for your reference. 1.The delicious food from Ahuja Caterers youll served free on the inaugural Run of 22230 Vande Bharat, 2. The Pathetic and Stale Food served (1/3)”
He added,
“Today in 22230 MAO-CSMT Vande Bharat, Pathetic is the only explainable word for it. Stone hard Paneer, Cold Food, Stale Salty Dal all dumped on to the enthusiastic passengers paying hefty 250rs for this food. I have been a daily Vande Bharat Traveller, hence can state (2/3)”
Today in 22230 MAO-CSMT Vande Bharat, Pathetic is the only explainable word for it. Stone hard Paneer, Cold Food, Stale Salty Dal all dumped on to the enthusiastic passengers paying hefty 250rs for this food. I have been a daily Vande Bharat Traveller, hence can state (2/3)
— Himanshu Mukerjee (@Railfann9971) July 1, 2023
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The passenger questioned why they could not enjoy the same level of food quality as invited guests do
Highlighting how the deterioration in service quality has affected customers. He added,
“The missing Dahi, Sanitizer, and importantly quality. Please lend me a good explanation if your invited guests enjoy such good food, why cant a common paying passenger receive the same quality food.. All such work has already created a worst impression on the passengers. (3/3).”
The missing Dahi, Sanitizer, and importantly quality. Please lend me a good explanation if your invited guests enjoy such good food, why cant a common paying passenger receive the same quality food.. All such work has already created a worst impression on the passengers. (3/3).
— Himanshu Mukerjee (@Railfann9971) July 1, 2023
The traveler’s tweet soon gained popularity and had over 1.27 lakh views. Many social media users also expressed similar worries and shared their own negative train meal experiences. Many also recommended suspending the train’s catering provider to protect its reputation.
IRCTC reacted to the whole controversy
In response to the viral tweet, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) assured the public that they are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality across all aspects of their service, including food preparation and delivery.
They also requested the passenger to share their PNR and mobile number via direct message (DM) to address the issue promptly.
IRCTC’s tweet said,
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“Please be assured that we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality across all aspects of our service, including food preparation and delivery. Request you to share pnr and mobile no preferably in DM.”
Please be assured that we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality across all aspects of our service, including food preparation and delivery. Request you to share pnr and mobile no preferably in DM.
— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) July 4, 2023
What do you think about this controversy? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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