Printing the Edition...

VOL. 02 • EST. 2025

FRIDAY
SAFAR, SWAAD AUR SAMACHAR
P1

The IRcTc Times

Digital • Metro Edition
FRIDAY, DEC 12, 2025
Daily News Digest
BREAKING
CATERING
IRCTC PARTNERS WITH HALDIRAM'S FOR BRANDED MEALS ON VANDE BHARAT.
RAIL NEER
PRICES SLASHED TO ₹14 PER BOTTLE TO BENEFIT PASSENGERS.
TOURISM
GERMAN TOURIST CALLS VANDE BHARAT "CRAZY VALUE" IN VIRAL REVIEW.
DIGITAL
IRCTC WEBSITE ACHIEVES 99.98% UPTIME; BOOKINGS SURGE TO 87%.
LUXURY
NORTH EAST DISCOVERY TRAIN INTERIORS WOW NETIZENS.
LIVE
CATERING
IRCTC PARTNERS WITH HALDIRAM'S FOR BRANDED MEALS ON VANDE BHARAT.
RAIL NEER
PRICES SLASHED TO ₹14 PER BOTTLE TO BENEFIT PASSENGERS.
TOURISM
GERMAN TOURIST CALLS VANDE BHARAT "CRAZY VALUE" IN VIRAL REVIEW.
DIGITAL
IRCTC WEBSITE ACHIEVES 99.98% UPTIME; BOOKINGS SURGE TO 87%.
LUXURY
NORTH EAST DISCOVERY TRAIN INTERIORS WOW NETIZENS.
Cover Story Report by Catering Desk

DINING REVOLUTION

FIG 1. Fresh, hot branded meals being served on Vande Bharat Express.

In a major shift to improve food quality, IRCTC has launched a Proof of Concept (PoC) to serve branded meals on select Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. Partnerships with brands like Haldiram’s, ISKCON, and Sarovar Portico have been initiated.

Passengers can now expect hygienically prepared, restaurant-quality food delivered directly to their seats. Early feedback from the Nagpur-Secunderabad route has been overwhelmingly positive, with travelers noting a "perceptible improvement" in taste and presentation.

Read Full Story

The German Review

Traveler Alex Welder calls Vande Bharat "Crazy Value" at ₹2,100, praising the hot meals and comfort.

'Eat Right' Victory

182 stations now FSSAI certified. A milestone week for hygiene and safety standards across Indian Railways.

The Daily Dispatch

Haldiram's at Vijayawada

"Haldiram's on Wheels" opens 24/7 outlet at the station.

North East Discovery

New Bharat Gaurav Deluxe train interiors wow netizens.

World's Leading Train

Maharajas' Express retains its prestigious global title.

Briefs

Wire Updates

  • Rail Neer uses new desalination plant.
  • Sleeker, curvaceous bottles launched.
  • RailMadad response time: 12 mins.

The Social Society

Upcoming Engagements

Season's Highlights

A curation of the season's most distinguished gatherings. Click on any event to view your invitation details.

RSVP Mandatory!

Date Affair Details
12 DEC
Haldiram's Launch

Haldiram's on Wheels

Grand opening of the 24/7 restaurant. Order online and get delivery to your seat.

Entry: Open to All
15 DEC
Eat Right Ceremony

FSSAI Certification

Celebrating 182 stations receiving the prestigious "Eat Right" certification.

20 JAN
South Korea Tour

East Asia Discovery

An 8-day tour package to South Korea. Verified and safe travel for all ages.

Booking Open

IRCTC Radio

On Air • 98.4 FM

Program Schedule

Select a track to listen
New!
The UK Diaries
Guest The Hutchinson Family

"Stunned by Vande Bharat Hospitality!"

Tech Talk
Topic RailMadad

Resolving complaints in 12 minutes.

OPINION Page 7: Editorial

Voices & Views

Priya Desai

Catering

"Beyond the Pantry Car"

With Haldiram's and Sarovar Portico entering the mix, the era of bland railway meals is ending. The "perceptible improvement" is real.

Vikram Sethi

Digital Safety

"The Digital Shield"

New anti-bot measures are finally leveling the playing field for Tatkal tickets. Genuine users are breathing a sigh of relief.

Arjun Malik

Sustainability

"The Green Bottle"

Reducing plastic weight and prices simultaneously? IRCTC's Rail Neer strategy is a masterclass in eco-economics.

PUZZLES

The Leisure Junction

1 2

Clues

Across: 1. Famous snack brand now on trains (9)
3. New international tour destination (5)

Down: 1. Water brand priced at 14 (4,4)

1. HALDIRAMS, 2. KOREA

Guess the Station

Click to Reveal

"Home to the new 'Haldiram's on Wheels' restaurant."

Answer: Vijayawada

TRIVIA
Rail Quiz

"Which train was voted 'World's Leading Luxury Train' again?"

Quiz Ticket

The Sunday Supplement

ATHITHI.IR

"Experience the romance of rail like never before. Exclusive interviews, heritage trails, and the culinary secrets of the royal kitchens."

Public Ballot

"Which new meal trial are you most excited to try?"

VOTED

Vote Recorded!

The Letterbox

"Telegrams, Postcards & Polaroids from the Journey"

"The Vande Bharat value is crazy! ₹2,100 included water, snacks, a hot meal, and dessert!"

- Alex Welder (German Tourist)

PRIORITY

TELEGRAM // STOP // STUNNED BY HOSPITALITY // STOP // DIET MIXTURE AND HOT TEA SERVICE DELIGHTFUL // STOP // END

- The Hutchinson Family (UK)

"Surprisingly good morning tea and lunch! Counters all old stereotypes."

STAMP

- Manipur Vlogger

WANTED

Be The Voice of IRCTC

Become an IRCTC Times Correspondent

"Share your first-hand experiences, untold stories of the rails, or a magical journey. We will share them with the world."

Classifieds & Public Notices

To Place Ad: Call 1800-IRNN-ADS Rates: ₹500 / sq cm

Tours

GOA DELIGHT 2026

4-Star stays, Mandovi Cruise. Bookings open for Jan 2026.

Packages

KERALA HONEYMOON

"Catch of the Day". Munnar, Alleppey, Cochin. 3-star stay included.

Spiritual

HOLY KASHI

Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya. Seamless train & sightseeing.