A travel influencer’s post about the food served on the Vande Bharat train has caught the attention of many online. It has received a lot of negative reactions as the blogger compared it to the food at a 5-star hotel. X user Shashank Gupta shared a picture of the train food, which included poha, cutlet, paratha, curd, curry/vegetable, packaged namkeen and a chocolate-pie dessert. In the caption, he wrote, “Today I travelled from Udaipur to Agra in train no-20981 Udaipur Agra Vande Bharat Express and the food on this train was no less than any five star hotel in terms of taste.”
Today I travelled from Udaipur to Agra in train no. 20981 Udaipur Agra Vande Bharat Express and the food in this train was no less than a five star hotel in terms of taste.
Thank you @railminindia @IRCTCOfficial @ashwinivaishnav @ashwinivaishnav pic.twitter.com/gFOh5QJN4H
– Shashank Gupta (@shashan0058641) September 2, 2024
In an earlier post, we see the vlogger standing outside a special coach for “social media and influencers” organised by the railways. He thanked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, DRM Lucknow and the Railway Ministry for this arrangement.
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Several exes replied to his post about train food and trolled him for comparing it to 5-star standards. In the comments, many felt that his feedback was not genuine and he was paid to post such reviews. Check out some of the reactions below.
Where does this five-star tasting goodness come from?
-Awadhesh Sharma (@Awadhesh1569) September 3, 2024
If this is 5-star food then I am Shahrukh Khan.
– Somdeep bhai (@SardarSomdeep) September 4, 2024
Someone needs to take you to a nice restaurant urgently!
— Claudia (@claudiainbombay) September 3, 2024
3 out of 7 items are packed and not even manufactured by IRCTC
— Craters of Mumbai (@CratersOfMumbai) September 3, 2024
Tell me that you have never been to a 5 star hotel without telling me that you have never been to a 5 star hotel?
– ijonsnow???? (@theordinarybong) September 3, 2024
I can conclude that you have never eaten in a luxury fine dining space
— bondasopu (@bondasopu) September 3, 2024
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The official handle of IRCTC responded to his post, saying, “Thank you so much for the pleasant comments. They really motivate us to keep doing our best. We look forward to serving you again.”
Thank you so much for your pleasant comments. They really motivate us to continue doing our best work. We look forward to serving you again.#IRCTCCares#customer satisfaction https://t.co/BXW6leEweq
— IRCTC (@IRCTCOfficial) September 2, 2024
Gupta later responded to the online criticism. He posted a long note on Twitter, titled “The truth behind my Vande Bharat Express food review”. In the attached image, he said, “I understand that my recent review of Vande Bharat Express train food has sparked some debate. I want to assure you that my opinion is truly based on my personal experience. While it may not be 5-star quality, I found it to be a significant improvement over normal train food. My review was not influenced by any external factors, including my status as a travel influencer. I strive to provide honest and authentic feedback to my audience. If you disagree with my opinion, I respect that, but let’s keep the conversation civil and constructive. Trolling and personal attacks only serve to undermine meaningful dialogue. Let’s focus on sharing our experiences and perspectives without making assumptions or accusations.”
Also read: X user accuses train staff of overcharging for veg thali, Railways responds
