Train running late? You could get free tea, biscuits, or a full meal on board for free
The provision comes into effect when a Rajdhani, Shatabdi, or Duronto Express is delayed by more than two hours from its scheduled time.
The provision comes into effect when a Rajdhani, Shatabdi, or Duronto Express is delayed by more than two hours from its scheduled time.
The provision comes into effect when a Rajdhani, Shatabdi, or Duronto Express is delayed by more than two hours from its scheduled time.
Few things test a traveller’s patience like a delayed train. Hours on a platform or inside a stationary coach can quickly turn uncomfortable, especially when hunger kicks in. What many passengers do not realise is that Indian Railways has a long-standing policy that offers some relief in such situations, at least on select trains.
Under the IRCTC catering policy, passengers are entitled to free food and refreshments if a train is delayed by two hours or more, depending on the time of the delay. The rule applies only to certain premium services.
When does the free food rule apply?
The provision comes into effect when a Rajdhani, Shatabdi, or Duronto Express is delayed by more than two hours from its scheduled time. The meals are provided to passengers who are on board the train or waiting to continue their journey, subject to practical feasibility.
The policy came back into public conversation after a traveller posted on X about being served free food when his train was delayed for several hours. This policy was formally outlined by the Ministry of Railways in 2011, following instructions issued on May 27 of that year. The government confirmed in Parliament that meals and packaged drinking water must be provided free of cost to passengers on these premium trains during extended delays
What kind of food is served?
The food served depends on the time of day when the delay occurs. The idea is to match refreshments with regular meal slots.
For short delays and tea hours: Passengers are served tea or coffee along with biscuits. The beverage kits include sugar or sugar-free sachets and milk creamer.
For breakfast or evening tea: The offering includes four slices of bread, butter, a fruit drink in a tetrapack, and tea or coffee.
For lunch or dinner: Passengers can expect a more filling meal. This usually includes rice with dal, rajma, or chole, along with pickle. In some cases, an alternative of seven puris with mixed vegetable curry or aloo bhaji is served, accompanied by pickle and seasoning sachets.
All items are provided without any additional charge when the delay crosses the two-hour mark.
Who can avail this facility?
The free food service is meant only for passengers who are continuing their journey or waiting to board the delayed train. It does not apply to passengers who have already exited the journey.
It is also important to note that this facility is limited to premium trains where catering is part of the service model. Other trains offer food through pantry cars, train-side vendors, or station stalls, but these are usually paid services.
What if the delay stretches even longer?
Indian Railways offers further relief when delays extend beyond a point. If a train is delayed by three hours or more, or if there is a route diversion, passengers have the option to cancel their tickets and claim a full refund. Tickets booked online can be refunded through the same booking platform. Tickets purchased at railway counters must be cancelled in person to receive the refund.
Passengers who choose to wait instead of cancelling are also allowed to use railway waiting rooms without extra charges until the train arrives.
Know your rights
Long train delays are never pleasant, but for passengers on select premium services, Indian Railways does offer some practical support. Free food, drinking water, refund options, and access to waiting rooms are part of an official policy that has been in place for years.