One of India’s most modern and premium trains is called the Vande Bharat Express. It is fast, comfortable and offers better service. But a relatively recent journey on the Kamakhya–Kolkata route has left passengers disgruntled and infuriated. A few of the passengers explained that they had been served rotten, bad-quality food even after paying more expensive ticket prices. The video spread widely showing passengers challenging railway workers and demanding to be told about it.
At the start, the Kamakhya–Kolkata Vande Bharat Sleeper Express launched with much excitement. It links Assam’s Kamakhya with Kolkata in West Bengal, providing overnight travel in First AC, Second AC, and Third AC coaches. But during one of its early commercial runs, passengers were surprised by the food supplied aboard. Food, the reports said, was spoiled, cold, and lacked staples such as dal and paneer. Some passengers brought up their meal trays, and complained loudly, asserting they paid a premium but that it was substandard.
Yesterday passengers got rotten food on Vande Bharat express despite paying a premium amount.
— Nehr_who? (@Nher_who) January 25, 2026
While our Railway Minister is busy making reels. pic.twitter.com/bZkh8xVAcx
Those on Vande Bharat trains expect more than just a quick ride. They pay a premium for clean coaches, fine food and hassle-free service. When those expectations are not met, it’s like betrayal. The food in this instance was not just terrible in itself, but dangerous in many ways. Gastrointestinal illnesses, food poisoning and other health problems can result from rotten food. The anger was not confined to the food. The Railway Minister was met with a flurry of complaints by others, alleging he was out there churning out Instagram reels and marketing the train online but neglecting real issues faced by passengers.
This matter reflects wider issues with railway catering and service delivery. Food is usually supplied by private vendors, and there might be weak freshness and hygiene inspections. Passengers often complain and don’t get a response or apology. The train was said to only have available vegetarian food, which disappointed many passengers who had expected greater variety. Passengers were provided with no refund or even a replacement for the noxious food after paying more.
Reactions flooded social media. Some users shared videos, some uploaded their own experiences on Vande Bharat trains. A lot of observers said the image of the train was being polished online, when on the ground the reality was very different. Political parties also intervened. Trinamool Congress leaders faulted the central government for ignoring Bengal’s food culture and enforcing a veg-only menu. Passengers must have the option to choose meals, they said.
If Vande Bharat wants to retain its high-end image, Indian Railways will have to do something. Food quality checks before food is loaded onto the train would be helped improve. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices should be on the menu. Staff must be trained in dealing politely and speedily with complaints. When service fails, refunds or compensation should be given. The emphasis must be on actual passenger needs — not social media marketing 101.
The Kamakhya–Kolkata Vande Bharat Express was intended to be a sign of progress. The recent food controversy demonstrates how even premium services don’t hold up if basic standards aren’t set. Rotten food, bad response and absence of accountability have converted excitement into frustration. Passengers deserve better. Clean meals, polite service and honest communication are not luxuries — they are the bare minimum. If Indian Railways is serious about winning the public trust, it must listen to its passengers, not just its online counterparts.
