Overview
- Indian Railways says the train offers only vegetarian food because it links two auspicious sites, with IRCTC menus excluding fish and meat.
- TMC accuses the Centre of "policing our plates," alleging cultural imposition on regions where non-vegetarian cuisine is integral.
- The sleeper launched commercial service from Kamakhya on January 22, with the Howrah departure scheduled for January 23.
- The Railways reports strong demand, noting reservations sold out within about 24 hours after ticket sales opened on January 19.
- Some coverage highlights tension in the temple-based rationale given historical animal sacrifice traditions at Shakti sites such as Kamakhya.