When you book train tickets, you expect a smooth journey. But when the train gets delayed, your entire plan becomes uncertain and your mood takes a hit. However, not many people know that train delays can sometimes come with an unexpected benefit. If you are travelling on premium trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi or Duronto, and your train is delayed, you might be eligible for free meals. Read on to know more!
A Train Delay Could Mean Complimentary Meals For You
Nobody likes a delayed train, but if you’re travelling on Rajdhani, Shatabdi or Duronto, the wait might come with a small surprise. As per IRCTC’s catering rules, passengers are eligible for complimentary meals if the train is delayed by two hours or more. But what you will be served will depending on the time of the delay.
As per NDTV, the complimentary meal is more than just a quick snack. Passengers are first served tea or coffee with biscuits, a small kit with sugar or sugar-free sachets and milk creamer. For breakfast or evening tea time, travellers can enjoy four slices of bread with butter, a 200 ml fruit drink, and a fresh cup of tea or coffee.
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What Is Served For Lunch And Dinner?
If the delay stretches into lunch or dinner time, passengers can expect a proper meal. The menu usually includes rice served with chole, rajma or yellow dal, along with pickle sachets. NDTV reported that another meal option features seven pooris paired with mixed vegetable curry, plus sachets of pickle, salt and pepper to add extra flavour.
And that’s not the only relief available. If your train gets delayed by more than three hours or its route is changed, you can choose not to travel and claim a full refund.
Did you know about this complementary meal option? Tell us in the comments below!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ Superfast1111 & Flickr/ ddasedEN
FAQs
Which trains offer free meals if they get delayed?
Passengers travelling on Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains may receive complimentary meals if their train is delayed by two hours or more.
Which meal is served in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto if they are delayed?
Passengers may receive breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea or snacks, depending on the timing of the delay and meal service schedule.
Can we get refund if Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto are delayed?
Yes, passengers can claim a full refund if their train is delayed by more than three hours or its route is diverted.