Food quality on trains has long been a topic of debate, with numerous complaints about unappetizing meals, unsanitary conditions, and even shocking finds like insects. To tackle these concerns, Indian Railways, through its catering service IRCTC, has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving the dining experience for travelers.
Menus and Prices Now Transparent
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the issue in the Lok Sabha, announcing that passengers will now have complete access to detailed menus and food pricing. These changes ensure greater transparency:
- IRCTC Website: Full menus and price lists will be available for passengers to view.
- Printed Menus: Waitstaff will provide printed menus, highlighting food choices and rates upon request.
- Pantry Cars: A clear price list will be displayed in pantry cars for easy reference.
- SMS Notifications: Passengers will receive SMS alerts containing links to menu and pricing details.
Improved Hygiene and Food Safety
To enhance hygiene and food quality, Indian Railways has outlined multiple safety measures:
- Modernized Base Kitchens: Meals will be prepared at designated, upgraded base kitchens.
- CCTV Monitoring: Surveillance cameras will be installed in kitchens to ensure cleanliness.
- Branded Ingredients: High-quality ingredients like rice, flour, and oil will be used in meal preparation.
- Onboard Supervision: Supervisors will monitor food safety in both kitchens and trains.
- QR Codes on Food: Passengers can scan QR codes on food packets for kitchen details and packaging dates.
These steps reflect Indian Railways’ ongoing effort to enhance the passenger experience, promoting better hygiene, transparency, and meal quality.