The first glimpse of a familiar station, the familiar call of vendors shouting “chai-chai” and the sight of a steaming paper cup can bring a wave of nostalgia during a long train journey. As Diwali and Chhath Puja draw closer, thousands of people travel to their hometowns to celebrate with family, making railway chai a small but memorable part of the journey. With the winter chill beginning to set in, that hot cup of tea feels even more comforting, almost like a warm hug.
But how much does a cup actually cost, and what goes into making this everyday railway favourite? The IRCTC tea price relies on the type of tea and also the train service, whereas the preparation generally follows the familiar process of brewing tea with milk, water and sugar. And once the journey is over, you can easily recreate that comforting cup at home with Vikram Masala Tea, adding the warmth of spiced chai to your festivities.
What Is The IRCTC Tea Price In 2026?
The price of railway tea depends on the serving size as well as the catering service. As per the IRCTC beverage rate listing, standard tea (150 ml) in a disposable cup costs Rs 5, whereas tea prepared with a tea bag (150 ml) costs Rs 10.
These are common beverage rates, so passengers should check the menu applicable to their train. Premium services like Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Vande Bharat may have catering charges or meal packages with different pricing structures.
During the festive rush, it is useful to know the listed rates before you order. Passengers can check the official Menu on Rails app for train-specific menus and prices. Asking for a bill also helps when reviewing the amount charged.
What Goes Into A Cup Of Railway Chai?
The familiar railway chai is generally a simple milk tea made with water, tea leaves or granules, milk and sugar. Its charm lies in its strong brew, evident colour and sweetness. Unlike light tea preparations that depend on a short infusion, this style is generally brewed until the tea releases enough colour and taste to stand up to milk.
The basic ingredients used here are:
- Water for brewing the tea
- CTC tea granules or tea leaves
- Milk for body and creaminess
- Sugar, depending on the preferred sweetness
The exact preparation can differ between catering kitchens, pantry services and also the vendors. However, the familiar method of boiling tea in water, adding milk and sugar, and straining it into cups gives you a good starting point for recreating the style at home.
How Is Railway-Style Chai Made?
The key to getting a strong railway-style cup is letting the tea brew appropriately before adding milk. CTC tea is especially suited to this type of preparation as its small granules release colour and flavour too soon.
A typical preparation follows these steps:
1. Heat water in a saucepan until it boils.
2. Mix in CTC tea granules and let them simmer on a low flame until the liquid gets a deep colour.
3. Add milk to this and gently boil the mixture.
4. Add sugar to taste and simmer shortly so the flavours come get blended.
5. Strain the tea into cups while still hot. Serve it instantly for a strong, milky brew.
Avoid boiling the tea for too long after adding milk, as this can make the flavour too strong or can give a cooked-milk aftertaste.
Bring The Railway Chai Experience Home With Vikram Masala Tea
After days of travelling, family visits and festive preparations, a familiar cup of chai can be a simple way to settle back into your routine. Vikram Masala Tea adds the warmth of traditional Indian tea spices to this everyday routine. Its blend of masala flavours works perfectly with milk-based chai, making it a suitable choice when you want a spiced cup rather than just a plain tea.
To make a railway-style masala chai at home, bring water to a boil and add Vikram Masala Tea. Let it boil for a short span so that the tea releases its colour and spice notes. Add milk and sugar, then let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Strain into the cups and then serve hot.
You can adjust the milk and sugar to suit your preference. If you like a stronger cup, let the tea brew a little longer before adding milk. The spices add another layer of taste, making it a suitable cup to enjoy after coming back from a festive journey.
A Cup To Welcome You Home
Diwali and Chhath journeys usually involve crowded platforms, packed bags, long hours on the train and the excitement of reaching home. A cup of railway chai becomes one of those small travel traditions that passengers remember. Knowing the IRCTC tea price helps you know what you are paying, whereas making a similar brew at home lets you carry that familiar experience in the festive season. With Vikram Masala Tea, the last cup after a long journey can be just as enjoyable as the first one you relished on the way.