Booking Rajdhani Without Meals: Do You Still Get A Water Bottle? New Railways Rules You Need To Know

For many travellers, premium trains like the Rajdhani Express offer speed, comfort and the convenience of onboard meals. But not everyone wants to pay the additional catering charge, especially frequent travellers who prefer to carry their own food. Over the past year, IRCTC's changing interface has left passengers unsure about whether the “No Food” option still exists and what opting out actually means for their onboard experience. One recurring question is whether passengers choosing not to take meals still receive complimentary Rail Neer water. To help travellers make informed choices, here is a detailed, updated breakdown of how the no-meal option works today, what remains unchanged, and how to select “No Food” correctly on the latest IRCTC website and app.

Also Read: IRCTC Child Ticket Policy: Key Rules Parents Must Know Before Booking Train Tickets

What Has Changed?

IRCTC has updated the placement of the “No Food/No Meals” option on its booking interface. Earlier it was visible alongside class and quota selection, but it now appears under ‘Other Preferences' or ‘Catering Service Option' during the passenger details stage. This shift has caused confusion, as many users assume the choice has been removed.

However, IRCTC has clarified that the option still exists, and passengers can continue to book Rajdhani tickets without meals, provided they actively select the no-food preference during booking.

Do You Still Get The Free Water Bottle?

Yes! Passengers who opt out of meals will continue to receive the complimentary 1-litre Rail Neer bottle provided on Rajdhani Express trains.

IRCTC has stated that the water bottle is part of standard onboard service and is not linked to whether a traveller chooses the catering component. So even if you skip meals to reduce your fare, the Rail Neer bottle remains included.

How To Select The ‘No Food' Option On IRCTC

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Here is how you can select the ‘no food' option on IRCTC:

1. Search for your train on the IRCTC website or app and select the Rajdhani Express service you want to book.

2. Proceed to Passenger Details.

3. Scroll down to find a section labelled ‘Other Preferences' or ‘Catering Service,' depending on the device.

4. You will see options like:

• I want meals
• I do not want meals / No Food

5. Select ‘No Food' to remove the catering charge from your final fare.

6. Review the fare breakup before payment to ensure the catering fee has been excluded.

7. Complete the booking.

Important: In most cases, the “No Food” preference applies to the entire PNR, meaning all passengers under the same booking will follow the same catering choice.

What If You Want Meals Later?

If you initially skip meals but change your mind:

1. You can pre-book meals later through IRCTC's e-catering or catering portal (up to a few hours before departure).

2. You will need to select your PNR, choose the station, and pay the meal price separately.

3. Refunds for previously added catering, if cancelled before charting, are subject to IRCTC refund rules.

Also Read: Can You Carry Alcohol On Indian Trains? Rules, Fines And All You Need To Know

So, the next time you have a confusion about the "No Food" option in the Rajdhani Express, refer to this guide!