Rajdhani Express 3rd AC Food Menu Price Updated 2025
Traveling on India’s Rajdhani Express is known for comfort, speed, and delicious food. One of the most common questions travelers ask is about the Rajdhani Express 3rd AC food menu price. Since food is part of the onboard experience, knowing what’s offered and how much it costs helps passengers plan their journey better. This article covers everything about the 3rd AC food menu, meal timings, and prices approved by IRCTC.
Rajdhani Express Meals
Rajdhani Express trains are premium services that connect India’s major cities to New Delhi. Meals on these trains are prepared fresh and served hot at different times of the day. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner, depending on the travel duration. Passengers in 3rd AC receive the same quality of food as those in 2nd AC, but at slightly lower prices. Meals are designed to suit Indian tastes, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
How Meals Are Served in Rajdhani Express
Meals are served at specific intervals during the journey. The timing depends on the train’s schedule and route. For morning departures, passengers receive breakfast, while evening journeys include dinner. The onboard catering staff serves each meal directly at your seat. The Rajdhani Express 3rd AC food menu price also includes tea and snacks for longer routes. All food items are prepared under hygienic conditions, ensuring safety and freshness.
IRCTC Guidelines for Food Pricing
IRCTC sets fixed prices for meals across all Rajdhani trains. The prices are standardized to ensure fairness and quality. The menu is based on whether you choose vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals.
According to the latest IRCTC updates, the prices are as follows:
| Meal Type | Veg Price (₹) | Non-Veg Price (₹) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 155 | 155 | Bread, omelet/poha, tea, juice |
| Lunch/Dinner | 235 | 245 | Rice, dal, roti, paneer/chicken curry |
| Evening Snacks (Hi-Tea) | 140 | 140 | Samosa, cutlet, tea, biscuit |
| Soup (optional) | 40 | 40 | Hot soup with breadstick |
These prices apply across most Rajdhani routes and include service charges.
Morning Breakfast Options
If your journey begins in the morning, you’ll be served breakfast within the first two hours. The menu usually includes bread butter, omelet or poha, fruit juice, and tea or coffee. The food is light yet filling, keeping passengers energized throughout the morning. The Rajdhani Express 3rd AC food menu price for breakfast remains ₹155, whether you prefer vegetarian or non-vegetarian choices. This ensures simplicity and consistency for passengers on all routes.
Lunch and Dinner Meals
Lunch and dinner on Rajdhani Express are wholesome and flavorful. Each tray includes rice, dal, roti, sabzi, and dessert, making it a balanced meal. Non-vegetarian meals often feature chicken curry instead of paneer or mixed vegetables. The menu for lunch and dinner is around ₹235 for vegetarian and ₹245 for non-vegetarian meals. The service staff ensures hot meals are served on time, adding comfort to your travel experience.
Evening Snacks and Tea Service
Evening tea is one of the most enjoyable parts of the journey. Around 4 or 5 PM, staff serve tea or coffee with snacks like samosa, cutlets, or biscuits. For overnight trains, soup may also be served before dinner. The cost for evening snacks in the Rajdhani Express 3rd AC food menu price is ₹140, which includes tea or coffee and light snacks. This breaks the monotony of travel and keeps passengers refreshed.
Hygiene and Food Quality
IRCTC has improved food standards in recent years. Meals are prepared in base kitchens across major stations and packed hygienically before being loaded on the train. The food is monitored for quality and temperature during the trip. Every meal on the menu follows FSSAI-approved safety guidelines. Staff members wear gloves and masks while serving, ensuring a clean and safe dining experience.
Veg and Non-Veg Menu Comparison
The difference between vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals mainly lies in the main dish. While vegetarians enjoy paneer or mixed vegetable curry, non-vegetarians receive chicken or egg curry.
| Category | Main Dish | Side Items | Dessert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Paneer curry / Mixed veg | Dal, rice, roti, pickle | Gulab jamun or halwa |
| Non-Vegetarian | Chicken curry / Egg curry | Dal, rice, roti, pickle | Gulab jamun or halwa |
Despite the variation, the Rajdhani Express 3rd AC food menu price remains affordable and worth the quality provided.
Meal Opt-Out and Refund Options
Since 2019, IRCTC has allowed passengers to opt out of onboard meals while booking tickets. If you choose not to take meals, your ticket price is reduced by the food cost. This flexibility benefits passengers carrying their own food. However, if you change your mind mid-journey, extra meals can be purchased onboard. The additional cost will be close to the standard menu as per IRCTC’s approved rates.
Final Thoughts
Traveling by Rajdhani Express is a premium experience that blends comfort with convenience. The Rajdhani Express 3rd AC food menu price ensures every passenger enjoys a balanced and satisfying meal during the journey. Whether you travel from Delhi to Mumbai, Howrah, or Bangalore, the food remains delicious, hygienic, and worth the price. The quality, service, and freshness make Rajdhani one of the most trusted train services in India.
