The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced the menu for the newly launched Howrah – New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express. West Bengal’s first Vande Bharat Express will start its commercial journey from January 01, 2023. Thus, keeping the Bengali flavours in mind, the IRCTC has specially designed the menu.

The menu for this new semi-high speed train includes puri (luchi) and chana daal, Kosha mangsho (dry mutton or chicken), fish cutlet and fish curry, and mishti doi (sweet curd). However, the food choice is optional in this train. If a  passenger opted for the ‘No Food’ option, then catering charges would get deducted from the fare. 

Speaking to FinancialExpress.com, a senior IRCTC official said, “to give a Bengali touch, many items preferred by people of Bengal have been included in the Menu.”

Check detailed menu of HWH-NJP Vande Bharat Express

Breakfast:

Luchi-Aloo Dam/ Chana Daal, Trikon Paratha, Multi Grain Bread

Lunch / Dinner:

Basanti Pulao, Kosha Chicken, Fish Fry/cutlet, Dhokar/ Chenar Dalna, Dal Sonargaon (moong), Paneer A-la-kiev, Maachher jhol, sorshe maachh, mishti doi, Sandesh, kheer kadam etc.

Millet based cookies, pre-mix Tea have also been included.

Also Read: 22301/22302 Howrah – New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express Tatkal booking begins; Check ticket price, seats, distance and other details

Sold out within hours

Within hours of the Indian Railways’ announcement of opening of the booking process for 22301/22302 Howrah (HWH) – New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Vande Bharat Express, the tickets were sold out. Both AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC) coaches have caught the fancy of the passengers, with a waitlist already prepared for January 01. Only 511 seats out of a total of 903 seats available for January 2, for AC Chair Car. While, for Executive Class (EC), 11 seats are available out of a total 69 seats.

Also Read: Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express stoppage points, timings revised; Check latest updates here

The train was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conferencing on Friday. This semi-high speed train is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities. This ultra-modern train will cover the distance of 600km in 7.5 hours.

During its journey, the train will stop at three stations – Bolpur (Shantiniketan), Malda Town, and Barsoi. It will depart from Howrah at 05:55 hours and will reach the NJP at 13:25 hours. After a stopover of nearly 1.5 hours, the train will again leave for Howrah at 15:05 hours. It will reach the destination at 22:35 hours.