“Inaugural Shine vs. Reality,” Food On Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Draws Flak From Passengers

India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train made headlines when it began operations on the Howrah-Kamakhya route. Recently, it has once again grabbed attention. This time, however, the spotlight is on its food. Passengers have complained about the ‘poor quality’ of meals being served on the newly launched train. Here’s what’s going on.

Passenger Not Satisfied With Food On Vande Bharat Sleeper Train 

The Inaugural Shine vs. Commercial Reality. 📉

👇 Attached picture:-

1. (Left side Commerical Run 1AC Food)
2. (Right side Inauguration day Run Food)

​Heartbreaking to see the FOOD quality drop on the Kamakhya – Howrah #VandeBharatSleeper . The high standards seen during the… pic.twitter.com/jKNK8TTXeN

— Ansuman Satapathy (@TechAnsuman) January 23, 2026

An X user, @TechAnsuman, recently shared a post highlighting the food served on the Vande Bharat Kamakhya-Howrah Sleeper train. The post compared meals served on the inauguration day with what passengers are receiving now. According to the post, the passenger is clearly unhappy with the quality. Ansuman said it was “heartbreaking to see such a sharp drop in food standards” after the launch. He also shared images showing the difference in meals. Ansuman complained that the “high standards seen during the launch were clearly only for the camera.” 

Ansuman further pointed out that authorities are allegedly forcing a pure vegetarian menu on the route while charging ₹3,600 for tickets. He also wrote, “For a flagship service, subpar food and standard packaging are unacceptable.” The user tagged the railway authorities and urged them to improve both food and packaging quality. 

Also Read: Vande Bharat Train Moves Along Snow-Covered Tracks In Kashmir, Netizens: “Looks Like Switzerland”

Netizens React With Similar Complaints 

The complaints did not stop there. Several other passengers discussed similar concerns about the catering on the Vande Bharat sleeper train. Some users claimed morning tea was not served at all. Others complained about insufficient food portions, hard chapatis, and overcooked rice. 

Netizens also reacted strongly to the viral post. One user wrote, “Better they carry food from home or buy from a restaurant or order online,” while another commented, ” Until catering services improve, carrying personal food would help avoid such experiences.” Third X user commented, “Inaugural shine vs. commercial reality.”

Also Read: Impressed By Rotatable Seats & Food, German Man Calls Vande Bharat “India’s Most Modern Train”

Do you think passengers are right in complaining about the food on the newly launched Vande Bharat sleeper train? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Cover Image Courtesy: @TechAnsuman/X