Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Menu Sparks Debate
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Howrah and Kamakhya only serves vegetarian food, which has upset the Trinamool Congress.
They say this is unfair because people in West Bengal and Assam usually eat non-vegetarian food like fish and meat.
The party accuses Prime Minister Modi and the BJP of trying to impose their dietary preferences on the people.
The train's menu includes dishes like Basanti pulao, cholar dal, and rasgulla.
The Railways say they are focusing on local Assamese and Bengali cuisine but haven't explained why non-vegetarian food is not included.
The train was flagged off by the Prime Minister and all seats for the first commercial service were booked quickly, showing passengers' eagerness to experience the train's amenities.
Trinamool Congress accuses PM Modi and BJP of imposing vegetarian-only menu on Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.
Train connects West Bengal and Assam, regions known for non-vegetarian food culture.
Trinamool argues the decision reflects a broader ideological pattern of imposing cultural choices.
Railways state the menu focuses on local Assamese and Bengali cuisine but do not address the exclusion of non-vegetarian options.
Train features dishes like Basanti pulao, cholar dal, and rasgulla, with no non-vegetarian alternatives.
- Who
- All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and Indian Railways
- What
- Controversy over vegetarian-only menu on Vande Bharat Sleeper Express
- When
- Days after the launch of the train
- Where
- Howrah (West Bengal) to Kamakhya (Assam)
- Why
- Trinamool alleges imposition of cultural and dietary choices on eastern India
Trinamool Congress
Indian Railways
Menu Composition
Trinamool Congress
The vegetarian-only menu is an imposition of cultural and dietary choices on eastern India, reflecting a broader ideological pattern.
Indian Railways
The menu focuses on local Assamese and Bengali cuisine, offering a variety of vegetarian dishes.
- Train Route
- Howrah–Kamakhya
- Frequency
- Six days a week
- Vegetarian Dishes
- Basanti pulao, cholar dal, jhuri aloo bhaja, chhana or dhokar dalna, labra, sandesh, rasgulla, joha rice, mati mahar dal, masoor dal, seasonal vegetable fritters, coconut barfi
- Departure Time (Howrah)
- 6:20 pm
- Arrival Time (Kamakhya)
- 8:20 am the next day
- Departure Time (Kamakhya)
- 6:15 pm
- Arrival Time (Howrah)
- 8:15 am the next day
Sources
Trinamool slams ‘vegetarian-only’ menu on Vande Bharat sleeper, targets PM Modi - Telegraph India
‘First votes, now food’: TMC slams Centre over veg-only menu on Vande Bharat sleeper train
Commercial services of Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat sleeper train begins
