Over the years, as train travel evolved, onboard services also improved, with food catering being one of the most significant enhancements. The introduction of catering services in Indian Railways marked a turning point in passenger comfort. With the launch of Vande Bharat Express trains, these services have reached new levels of quality and convenience. Despite the advancements, many feel the food still can’t match the quality of five-star hotels.
However, when a travel influencer recently compared the food on the Vande Bharat Express to that of a five-star hotel, it sparked mixed reactions.
Influencer Praises Vande Bharat’s Food as 5-Star Quality
A user on X (formerly Twitter), Shashank Gupta, shared an image of his meal onboard the Vande Bharat Express. His meal included cutlet, poha, paratha, curry, curd, packaged dalmoth, and dessert. In his post, Gupta wrote:
“Today, I traveled on train no. 20981 Udaipur Agra Vande Bharat Express from Udaipur to Agra, and the food was no less than what you’d get in a five-star hotel. Thank you @RailMinIndia @IRCTCofficial @AshwiniVaishnaw.”
Today I traveled in train no -20981 Udaipur Agra Vande Bharat express from Udaipur to Agra and the food in this train was no less than any five star hotel in terms of taste.
Thankyu @RailMinIndia @IRCTCofficial @AshwiniVaishnaw @AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/gFOh5QJN4H— Shashank Gupta (@shashan0058641) September 2, 2024
In a previous post, the influencer also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Railways and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the special arrangement.
Thankyu so much @RailMinIndia @RailwayNorthern @drm_lko @AshwiniVaishnaw
arrange a special train for social media influencer
Special thanks DRM sir Cpro sir & PRI sir. #northernrailways #socialMediaExpress 😎 pic.twitter.com/OcebaiFQra— Shashank Gupta (@shashan0058641) September 1, 2024
Public Reaction to the Influencer’s Review
Gupta’s comparison of Vande Bharat’s food to five-star hotel cuisine drew a range of reactions. Many X users mocked him, speculating that his positive review was paid for. Several individuals questioned the sincerity of his praise. Here are some of the comments:
From where does this look like five star taste good 😂
— Avadhesh Sharma (@avadhesh1569) September 3, 2024
Tax payers money is paid this 🤡 to post this by Reel Mantri 🤣 pic.twitter.com/51Fj8B3kUc
— Veena Jain (@DrJain21) September 3, 2024
talking about this five star? pic.twitter.com/Yz0bGzK1sz
— sohom (@AwaaraHoon) September 3, 2024
If this is 5 star hotel food for you then I’m sure you’ve never been to a 1 star restaurant/cafe in your life.
— Saradsree Ghosh (@TheSavvySapien) September 3, 2024
You obviously have never been to any 5 star hotel! Anyway, you have been hired to lick!
— Atul Gupta (@atulg65) September 3, 2024
IRCTC’s Response to the Review
Amid the backlash, IRCTC acknowledged Gupta’s review with a positive response, tweeting:
“Thank you very much for the pleasant remarks. They truly mo
tivate us to keep up our best work. We look forward to serving you again. #IRCTCCares #CustomerSatisfaction.”
Thank you very much for the pleasant remarks. They genuinely motivate us to keep doing our best job. We look forward to servicing you again.#IRCTCCares#CustomerSatisfaction https://t.co/BXW6leEweq
— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) September 2, 2024
Influencer’s Response to the Criticism
In response to the negative comments, Gupta issued a statement affirming the authenticity of his review. He emphasized that his feedback was genuine and not influenced by any external factors.
The truth behind my Vande Bharat Express Food Review pic.twitter.com/OlSOAgmetm
— Shashank Gupta (@shashan0058641) September 3, 2024
What are your thoughts on this story? Do you believe the influencer’s review was sincere.
