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IRCTC ‘No Food’ Option: Is It Gone? Key Details
Recent reports suggest passengers can no longer skip meals on premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat. The missing ‘No Food’ option during bookings has sparked confusion—is IRCTC making meals compulsory? Here’s the truth behind the controversy.
What Changed with IRCTC’s Meal Policy?
For years, travelers could exclude meals and reduce ticket costs by selecting ‘No Food’ while booking. Now, users complain the option is missing or non-functional for certain routes. Key reasons for the confusion:
- Technical Issues: Glitches hide the toggle during booking.
- Train-Specific Rules: Newer Vande Bharat and updated Rajdhani/Shatabdi services may enforce mandatory meals.
- Auto-Selected Meals: Default meal inclusions go unnoticed by passengers rushing through bookings.
IRCTC’s Official Response
When questioned, IRCTC clarified:
“The ‘No Food’ feature remains active for select trains and classes. Visibility issues may arise due to system errors or policy updates. Passengers can contact customer care for assistance.”
No formal policy change has been announced, but inconsistencies hint at a gradual shift toward bundled catering.
How to Avoid Meal Charges (If Possible)
- During Booking: Check ‘Preferences’ for the ‘No Food’ toggle before payment.
- After Booking: Use ‘Modify Booking’ or request a refund via IRCTC’s grievance portal.
- Customer Care: Escalate unresolved cases via IRCTC helpline (139) or Twitter support.
Passenger Reactions: Support vs. Backlash
- For Bundled Meals: “Hygienic food is part of the premium experience.”
- Against Compulsion: “Why pay for meals I don’t eat? This limits budget travel.”
What Should Passengers Do?
- Verify booking summaries carefully.
- Report issues via IRCTC’s official channels.
- Monitor updates on IRCTC’s website or app.
Final Take: While not universally mandatory, the ‘No Food’ option is becoming unreliable. Until IRCTC provides clarity, double-check your ticket details to avoid surprises.
Share your thoughts—should meals be optional on premium trains? Comment below!
— Team NextMinuteNews
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