Railway passengers, especially vegetarians, now have a reason to rejoice. The Vande Bharat Express operating between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra, has been declared a 100% vegetarian train. This means that only vegetarian meals will be served onboard, and passengers will not be allowed to carry non-vegetarian food during the journey.
A Special Initiative for Devotees
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India. Keeping in mind the religious sentiments of devotees traveling to this sacred destination, the Indian Railways has taken the decision to ensure a completely vegetarian environment on this semi-high-speed train. This initiative is intended to provide peace of mind to vegetarian travelers who often worry about food purity in railway canteens, where both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are usually prepared together.
Strict Regulations on Non-Vegetarian Food
To maintain this vegetarian-only policy, passengers will not be permitted to bring non-vegetarian food or snacks on board. This measure is aimed at ensuring that all passengers have a comfortable and spiritually appropriate travel experience. Those who prefer non-vegetarian food should plan accordingly before embarking on their journey.
Promoting Awareness of Vegetarianism
This decision comes at a time when vegetarianism is gaining momentum, especially in religious events such as the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Recently, devotees of Baba Jai Gurudev organized a vegetarian awareness rally in the Maha Kumbh Nagar area. Chanting slogans like ‘Baba ji ka kaha hai, vegetarian rehna hai’ (Baba Ji has said, stay vegetarian), they encouraged people to embrace a vegetarian lifestyle. Many devotees in attendance showed their support by raising their hands in agreement.
With such initiatives, both the Indian Railways and religious communities are contributing to the broader promotion of vegetarianism across the country. The New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express has set a unique benchmark by offering a completely vegetarian travel experience, ensuring that devotees can embark on their sacred journey with peace of mind.
