In a bid to showcase the rich culinary heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Railways, in collaboration with IRCTC, on Sunday introduced authentic local vegetarian cuisine on the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express.
As part of this unique initiative, passengers will be served traditional dishes during breakfast and lunch on board. The menu features Kehwa, fresh bakery items, Rajma, Kashmiri Pulao, Babru, Ambal, and fresh apples.
Passengers arriving at Katra were given a warm welcome and introduced to the new regional menu. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many opting for the local cuisine and praising both its taste and quality.
IRCTC Chairman Harjot Singh Sandhu said the initiative is aimed at providing an authentic and memorable travel experience in the Kashmir Valley, allowing passengers to enjoy the flavours of the region even before reaching their destination.
Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, added: “This model will feature state-of-the-art hygienic kitchens. Packaging will be upgraded from aluminium foil to airline-style Teflon-coated casseroles, along with eco-friendly coir trays instead of plastic. Professional supervisors will oversee operations and staff training to maintain the highest standards.”
Some of the special local delicacies include Ambal (a sweet and sour pumpkin curry in Dogra style), Babru (a stuffed puri popular in the hills), and Jammu Paratha for breakfast. For lunch, passengers can enjoy Paneer Chaman, Kashmiri Dum Aloo, and Jammu Rajma, all prepared with traditional spices and cooking methods for an authentic taste.
The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6 June, marked a major milestone by linking Srinagar with India’s railway network. Commercial operations began the next day with IRCTC’s standard menu, but now Railways and IRCTC have launched a special scheme to promote regional cuisine in premier trains, starting with Vande Bharat services (train numbers 26401, 26402, 26403, and 26404).
For passengers preferring regular fare, traditional vegetarian options like upma, poha, and cutlets will also be available alongside the regional spread.