Pune: On Express trains, evening tea for Rs 140, lunch and dinner for Rs 245

As per the new menu, the morning tea on these trains will cost Rs 35 (the earlier price was Rs 15) in the first AC and executive chair car coaches, and Rs 20 (earlier price Rs 10) in the 2nd AC, 3rd AC and chair car coaches. The rate for morning tea will be Rs 15 in the sleeper class of Duronto trains.

The price of evening tea, which includes snacks, cookies and a pot of tea, has also been revised to Rs 140 from the current rate of Rs 75 for first class and executive cars.

An IRCTC official said the revised rates will come into effect from November 18.

This is the first time the IRCTC has revised food charges for Express trains since 2012 and for Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Duronto trains since 2013. The new meal charges are not applicable for Gatimaan Express, Tejas Express and Vande Bharat Express.

Harsha Shah of the Railway Pravasi Group said passengers may not mind the increased cost of food and beverages if the food quality shows a marked improvement.

“The quality should improve with the increase in prices… The rates have remained unchanged since 2013. Now that the IRCTC has increased the price, the quality of food must improve. Passengers expect to be served freshly-prepared, hygienic and good-quality food,” said Shah.