Don’t Pay Extra For Train Food! This Simple IRCTC Hack Can Save You Rs 500 Per Trip

Tickets for premium trains in India may be costly, but the service, ranging from comfort to punctuality, often makes the experience worthwhile. However, a recent debate has emerged around IRCTC, with claims

that passengers are being forced to pay extra for onboard meals. Many users on X alleged that the IRCTC website and app now make food selection mandatory while booking tickets for premium trains such as the Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, and Vande Bharat Express.

In reality, this is not the case. Passengers can still choose whether or not to include meals during booking. By opting out of food service, travellers can save between Rs 300 and Rs 500 on their fare.

Speaking to The Indian Express, a senior railway official confirmed that the ‘No Food’ option remains available on the booking page, though the layout has been slightly updated.

How To Book Tickets Without Food On IRCTC?

To book e-tickets via the IRCTC website,

1. Users must first create an account and log in with their username and password.
2. After entering the departure and destination stations, date of travel, and travel class, click on ‘Search’ to view the list of available trains.
3. Select your preferred train and click ‘Book Now’.
4. On the passenger reservation page, verify the train name, station, class, and travel date.
5. Then, fill in passenger details such as name, age, gender, and berth preference.
6. Finally, scroll down to the ‘Other Options’ section, where you’ll find the checkbox ‘I don’t want food/drink’.
7. Selecting this option allows you to opt out of onboard meals and save on your ticket cost.