In a move to enhance transparency and passenger convenience, Indian Railways has made it mandatory to display food menus and tariffs across trains. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking in the Lok Sabha, stated that passengers will now receive SMS messages with links to the menu and pricing details of food served onboard.
Concerns regarding food quality and pricing frequently surface on social media, sparking debates and prompting responses from IRCTC and Indian Railways. To address this, the Railways has ensured that menus and rates are readily accessible. "The menu for all food items, along with prices, is available on IRCTC's website. Additionally, printed menu cards are provided to waiters and are available to passengers on request. Rate lists are also prominently displayed in pantry cars," Vaishnaw explained.
Steps to Improve Food Quality and Hygiene
Beyond transparency in pricing, the government is also focusing on food safety and quality enhancement. The minister highlighted several measures undertaken to improve the catering services on trains. These include sourcing meals from designated base kitchens, setting up modernized kitchens at key locations, and installing CCTV cameras to monitor food preparation.
"A third-party audit is conducted to assess hygiene and food quality in pantry cars and base kitchens. Additionally, customer satisfaction surveys are regularly carried out to gather feedback," Vaishnaw added. To further strengthen food safety, Indian Railways has mandated regular deep cleaning, periodic pest control in kitchens and pantry cars, and FSSAI certification for relevant personnel.
Food safety officers also conduct regular inspections and sample testing to ensure compliance with quality standards. These initiatives collectively aim to enhance the overall dining experience for passengers while maintaining high safety and hygiene levels.
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