I recently visited the IRCTC Executive Lounge at New Delhi railway station located on the first floor of the station on Platform no 1(Paharganj) side. I had earlier reviewed the other IRCTC Traveler's Executive Lounge. So let me quickly make you virtually visit it and also update you on the limited list of cards which work here!
I used my ICICI MakeMyTrip Signature Credit Card for complimentary access and it was gladly accepted. A simple authentication of ₹2 on my card was done as validation charges which are non-refundable same as in Airport lounges.
But what surprised me the most was that all the serving utensils were made in cast iron and even the cutlery and plates provided were spotless, unlike the ones which I have generally encountered in other railway lounges.
They were serving an excellent three-course meal from soup to dessert. They also have a separate paid section from where you can get other snacks and beverages which are not included in the buffet.
The lounge has separate dining and resting spaces and I must say that it has a huge seating capacity. The washroom was also very clean and they were also providing complimentary magazines and newspapers. So this lounge ticks all the checkboxes when it comes to service.
There is also a message chair facility available on a paid basis.
Further, you are also entitled to free wi-fi and newspapers/magazines.
Apart from complimentary facilities, you can also access paid facilities which include a shower, changing rooms, and massage chairs.
Have you been to this lounge or, maybe any other IRCTC Executive Railway lounge? Do share your experiences in the comments below.
Experience
Check-in
This lounge is accessible from the Paharganj side of the New Delhi Railway Station before the security check and a lift is also present to access this. The check-in process here was surprisingly stringent since I was asked for my PNR and an identity card for the first time at a railway lounge. For complimentary access, they are accepting only select ICICI credit cards, AU Bank Credit Cards, HDFC Credit Cards and IDFC Credit cards as well. I have compiled a list of Complimentary Cards for Railway Lounge Access In India from where you can get to know about the eligible ICICI cards. Except SBI cards they are accepting all the cards.I used my ICICI MakeMyTrip Signature Credit Card for complimentary access and it was gladly accepted. A simple authentication of ₹2 on my card was done as validation charges which are non-refundable same as in Airport lounges.
Food
The food menu variety was sufficiently good for a railway lounge with both veg and non-veg options.
But what surprised me the most was that all the serving utensils were made in cast iron and even the cutlery and plates provided were spotless, unlike the ones which I have generally encountered in other railway lounges.
They were serving an excellent three-course meal from soup to dessert. They also have a separate paid section from where you can get other snacks and beverages which are not included in the buffet.
Ambience
The lounge has separate dining and resting spaces and I must say that it has a huge seating capacity. The washroom was also very clean and they were also providing complimentary magazines and newspapers. So this lounge ticks all the checkboxes when it comes to service.
There is also a message chair facility available on a paid basis.
Facilities
With complimentary access to the lounge, you are entitled to two hours of lounge stay in the normal seating area. Meals are served as per the time of the visit. Other facilities include air-conditioning and charging sockets.
Further, you are also entitled to free wi-fi and newspapers/magazines.
Apart from complimentary facilities, you can also access paid facilities which include a shower, changing rooms, and massage chairs.
Bottomline
This lounge really enhanced my rail travel experience to such a good level that I will not opt for food on the train next time and save myself some bucks and also avoid the average quality food served on the trains.Have you been to this lounge or, maybe any other IRCTC Executive Railway lounge? Do share your experiences in the comments below.
Last edited:
