Man Gets Free Lunch After Rajdhani Express Gets Delayed. Railway Policy Explained

Delayed trains test every ounce of patience. From straining to hear announcements to casting hopeful glances at the indicator board and constantly checking your watch, the wait slowly becomes exhausting. As minutes stretch into hours, conversations gradually die down and snacks run out faster. But IRCTC might just have the perfect solution, offering some relief to weary travellers. Under the IRCTC catering policy, passengers travelling on premium trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto Express are entitled to free meals if the train is delayed by two or more hours beyond its scheduled arrival time.

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On January 8, a traveller uploaded a post on X, sharing details about this provision. The person, who was travelling via the Rajdhani Express, revealed that since his train was delayed by six hours, he received lunch free of cost. "If your train is delayed by more than 2 hours, you are entitled to a free meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner), depending on the time of the delay," read the side note, adding, "However, this policy is limited to premium trains like Rajdhani, Duronto, and Shatabdi." The post was accompanied by a picture showcasing two boxes of dal and rice, along with a packet of pickle.

Did you know that passengers are entitled to a free meal if their train is delayed?

Yes. As per IRCTC's catering policy, if your train is delayed by more than 2 hours, you are entitled to a free meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner), depending on the time of the delay.

However, this… pic.twitter.com/hWhndCMsP7

— Trains of India 🇮🇳 (@trainwalebhaiya) January 8, 2026

Railway Food Menu For Delayed Trains

The IRCTC catering policy provides specific meal options based on the time of day. Here's what passengers can expect:

• Tea/Coffee: Passengers can enjoy either tea or coffee with biscuits. They will receive beverage kits that include milk creamers and sugar or sugar-free sachets.
• Breakfast/Evening Tea: This set comprises four white or brown bread slices, along with butter, a fruit drink, and tea or coffee.
• Lunch/Dinner: The lunch and dinner menu consists of rice with yellow dal, with passengers having the option to choose between rajma or chole. The meal also includes pickle sachets. Additionally, passengers may enjoy seven pooris paired with mixed vegetables, along with pickle, salt and pepper sachets.

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Other IRCTC Facilities For Delayed Trains

During prolonged delays, passengers can cancel their tickets and receive a full refund. This facility is applicable if trains are delayed by more than three hours. Refunds are processed through the same platform used for booking. Additionally, travellers can access waiting halls without paying any extra fee. Food counters also remain open beyond their usual operating hours, especially during late-night delays.