Save up to ₹500 on Vande Bharat and Rajdhani Tickets – Here’s a Smart Trick Most Travellers Don’t Know
Save up to ₹500 on Vande Bharat and Rajdhani Tickets – Here’s a Smart Trick Most Travellers Don’t Know
Travelling by train in India has always carried its own charm. For decades, the Rajdhani Express was the pride of Indian Railways — a train that many people dreamt of experiencing at least once in their lives. But times have changed. Today, the modern and high-speed Vande Bharat Express has taken over that spotlight, becoming the new favorite for passengers across the country.
However, while these trains offer premium comfort and top-notch facilities, their tickets often come with equally premium prices. Many regular travellers feel these fares are too high for their budgets. But what if there was a simple way to reduce your ticket cost by ₹300 to ₹500 without compromising your journey? Surprisingly, there is — and very few people actually know about it.
Let’s explore how you can save a good amount the next time you book a ticket on Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, or Shatabdi Express.
The Hidden Option That Can Lower Your Ticket Price
Tickets for premium trains are priced higher mainly because they include several extra services, one of the most expensive being the onboard catering. In fact, passengers travelling from the first station to the last end up paying a much higher fare because it includes the full catering charge.
Over the years, many travellers have complained about being forced to pay for meals they didn’t even want. Some even believed that food services were made mandatory in these premium trains. But according to railway officials, that’s not the case. You actually have the freedom to opt out of the meal service while booking your ticket.
How the Trick Works
When booking your ticket online, after you enter your personal details like name and age, you’ll see a section titled “Other Preferences.” Under this section, you can select the option “I don’t want Food/Beverages.”
Once you choose this option, the catering service will automatically be removed from your ticket. The Railways will then deduct the catering cost — usually between ₹300 and ₹500 — from your total fare. The exact amount saved may vary depending on your route and train.
A senior railway official recently clarified that the “No Food” option has not been removed and is still available for passengers. Many travellers are unaware of this, which is why most people end up paying for meals they don’t consume.
Why Many Prefer to Skip the Food Option
A large number of passengers have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of food served on these trains. Despite paying for the service, they often complain about the taste, freshness, and hygiene of the meals provided. Social media is filled with videos and photos from passengers showing poor-quality or even spoiled food.
There have also been incidents where passengers found insects in their food or were served unhygienic meals. These recurring issues have led to debates and numerous complaints. Taking note of these, Indian Railways has made several improvements in its catering system and in the rules for service providers. The goal has been to ensure cleaner, safer, and better food for everyone onboard.
