New Delhi, June 24: Train delays can be frustrating, but passengers travelling on premium Indian Railways services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto Express trains may be entitled to complimentary meals if their train is significantly delayed.

Under Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) catering guidelines, passengers on these premium trains can receive free meals and refreshments when the train is delayed by two hours or more. Depending on the time of day, the complimentary service may include breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee, or snacks.

Complimentary Meal Services

Passengers are typically served tea or coffee with biscuits at the start of their journey. The beverage kit includes sugar or sugar-free sachets and milk creamer.

For breakfast or evening refreshments, passengers may receive:

Four slices of white or brown bread

Butter

A 200 ml fruit drink

Tea or coffee

Lunch and dinner options generally include:

Rice with chole, rajma, or dal

Pickle sachets

Alternatively, passengers may be served:

Seven pooris

Mixed vegetable curry

Pickle, salt, and pepper sachets

Full Refund for Major Delays

Indian Railways also allows passengers to cancel their journey and claim a full refund if a train is delayed by more than three hours or if its route is significantly altered.

Passengers who booked tickets online can obtain refunds through the original booking platform, while those who purchased tickets at railway reservation counters must cancel them in person to receive a cash refund.

Additional Passenger Facilities

To assist travellers during extended delays, Indian Railways provides:

Free access to waiting rooms at stations

Extended operating hours for food stalls, especially during late-night delays

Additional deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to enhance passenger safety

Railway officials advise passengers to stay informed about train running status through official railway channels and contact onboard staff or station authorities if they believe they are eligible for complimentary services during delays.