Railway Update: If you frequently travel long distances by train, this news is essential for you to stay updated on. Yes, the Railway Board has approved significant changes in trains. After these changes, the entire catering system will undergo a transformation on trains post-June. No longer will meals and snacks be prepared on board; only hot water or beverages like tea will be available upon specific request. Additionally, the base kitchens operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) around railway stations will also be closed.
Preparation Underway for Catering Operations
Following these changes, preparations are underway by the IRCTC to operate catering services on a cluster basis. The breakfast and meals prepared here will be served to passengers traveling on trains. A similar system is already in place for semi-high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat Express, where only hot water is provided, and all other items are served after being prepared beforehand. With the Railway Board's orders, the entire catering system on trains will change from July onwards.
Quality Food to be Offered
Under the new system, preparations are being made to offer quality food on trains running on any route. Different agencies will be entrusted with operating the pantry cars. Each agency will be responsible for five to seven trains on a single route. Once an agency is assigned responsibility for a route, it will set up its kitchen near the station. Food and snacks will be prepared here and supplied to the trains.
The Northeastern Railway has begun assigning the responsibility of operating pantry cars as clusters to 80 trains. Tenders have been invited from various agencies by a specified date. Based on the experience of the agency, the responsibility for trains will be assigned. Regular checks will also be conducted on the agency's work. Railway officials have stated that the base kitchens under the cluster will also be periodically inspected. Samples of food items will be sent to the lab for testing if needed, ensuring the quality of the kitchen remains intact.