In a significant move towards sustainability and affordability, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has partnered with the Akshaya Patra Foundation to offer nutritious, eco-friendly vegetarian meals for just ₹80. This initiative is being rolled out at select railway stations across India, marking a major step in making travel more comfortable and environment-conscious for passengers.
The meal, designed to be both wholesome and wallet-friendly, will be served in sustainable, eco-friendly packaging. According to a joint statement from IRCTC and Akshaya Patra, the meals will consist of freshly prepared vegetarian dishes, curated to meet daily nutritional needs while reducing environmental impact.
A Sustainable Step Towards Accessible Nutrition
The initiative reflects IRCTC’s ongoing mission to improve passenger experience and ensure accessibility to hygienic food during travel. With Akshaya Patra’s expertise in mass-scale food preparation and distribution — particularly known for its mid-day meal schemes — this partnership is expected to deliver both quality and consistency.
Initially, the meals will be available at prominent stations including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Howrah. The plan is to gradually expand the service to other major railway stations in a phased manner based on passenger response and operational logistics.
“We are proud to associate with the Akshaya Patra Foundation in bringing nutritious, vegetarian meals to our passengers. This not only promotes healthier food choices but also aligns with our goal of reducing plastic waste and encouraging sustainable practices,” said an IRCTC spokesperson.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: A Green Journey Begins
Each meal will be packed in biodegradable containers, made from recyclable or compostable materials. This is a marked shift from the plastic or thermocol packaging often used in railway catering.
Akshaya Patra, a non-profit NGO known for running the world’s largest school meal program, brings its large-scale kitchen infrastructure to this collaboration. Their centralized kitchens will be used to prepare the meals, ensuring safety and hygiene standards are upheld.
“This initiative reflects our shared vision of delivering healthy food in a sustainable manner. It’s not just about feeding the hungry; it’s about feeding responsibly,” said Shridhar Venkat, CEO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation.
Positive Passenger Feedback
Early feedback from passengers has been overwhelmingly positive. Travelers have appreciated the taste, portion size, and the eco-conscious approach to packaging. Many have called it a “refreshing change” and “much-needed solution” for affordable meals during long journeys.
The meals will be available through IRCTC food counters at the stations and through the e-catering app. This added convenience will allow passengers to pre-book meals before arrival or departure.
Future Expansion and Digital Integration
IRCTC plans to integrate the eco-friendly meal option into its online platforms, enabling seamless access to affordable meals via IRCTC’s website and app. Future expansion will also consider adding variations based on regional preferences.
The initiative is part of Indian Railways’ broader sustainability goals and efforts to modernize station services across the country.
