Indian Railways has introduced a special “Navratri Vrat Thali” at over 150 railway stations across the country to cater to passengers observing fasts during the festive season of Navratri. This initiative aims to provide convenience and ease for travellers who face challenges in finding appropriate food while on the move, particularly during religious observances. The Railway Ministry announced a press release, highlighting the focus on quality and nutrition in this new offering.
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The Navratri Vrat Special Thali is designed to meet the dietary needs of passengers observing the fasts. During Navratri, many people abstain from consuming regular food and instead follow a specific diet that excludes grains, onions, garlic, and other items. Understanding the need for such accommodations, Indian Railways has curated this meal to ensure that passengers can continue their religious practices while travelling.
The special thali is available at major railway stations across India, including Mumbai Central, Delhi Junction, Surat, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna Junction, Ludhiana, Durg, Chennai Central, Secunderabad, Amravati, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Jalandhar City, Udaipur City, Bengaluru Cantt, New Delhi, Thane, Pune, and Mangalore Central, among others.
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A spokesperson for the Ministry emphasised the attention to detail in ensuring that the meal honours the traditions of Navratri while maintaining high standards of quality and nutrition. “Special care has been taken to ensure quality and nutrition in the preparation of the Vrat Thali, honouring the essence of Navratri,” the spokesperson said.
In addition to being available at these stations, passengers can conveniently order the Navratri Vrat Special Thali online. The Ministry’s press release confirmed that passengers could order the thali through the IRCTC mobile app or by visiting the IRCTC e-catering website. Booking is made easy by entering the Passenger Name Record (PNR) number, ensuring a seamless experience for travellers.
This initiative comes at a time when the Indian Railways is seeing increased passenger traffic due to the festive season. The availability of a special thali tailored to religious dietary requirements will likely be welcomed by many passengers, making their journey more comfortable and stress-free. With this thoughtful service, Indian Railways continues its efforts to enhance the travel experience for its passengers, particularly during the country’s most celebrated festivals.
