Vaishno Devi pilgrims to get ‘sattvik certified’ food on trains to Katra
Some good news for the tourists, especially the pilgrims visiting to the world-famous Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine as they will now be served ‘Sattvik Certified’ vegetarian food on trains to holy Katra town—the base camp in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
However, as per reports, the ‘sattvik certified’ food will be served on all trains to religious sites across the country.
“The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation will promote ‘vegetarian-friendly travel’ by getting some trains ‘sattvik certified’, especially those running on routes connecting religious sites,” official sources said.
Sources added that the Sattvik Council of India has reportedly tied up with the IRCTC to introduce services that fit the requirements of vegetarians and promote vegan travelling to holy destinations.
The IRCTC runs the Vande Bharat Express which travels from Delhi to Katra and it will also be certified as ‘sattvik’.
However, taking to the microblogging site, Union MoS in PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday also wrote, “Good News for the devotees of Mata #VaishnoDevi. Indian Railways resume catering services in Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express.”
“The IRCTC has an understanding with it and has decided to seek ‘certification’ for some of the trains that go to pilgrimage destinations like the Vande Bharat Express which goes to Katra—the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage,” they added and said that the format will be replicated in around 18 trains across the country.
“IRCTC base kitchens, executive lounges, budget hotels, food plazas, travel and tour packages, Rail Neer plants will be ‘sattvik’ certified to ensure vegetarian friendly travel,” they said.
Pertinent to mention that the yatra to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine has increased manifold despite the new Covid variant Omicron.
As per official records, as of now till the end of November, around 50 lakhs pilgrims have visited Katra to pay obeisance at the Cave Shrine.
