Travelling by train in India is set to become a little more transparent, thanks to a new directive from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Say goodbye to hidden costs and mystery meals, as IRCTC will now be required to prominently display food menus and rates on trains. This move comes in response to growing passenger complaints about inflated prices and a lack of clarity regarding the cost of onboard meals.
Clear Rates, Happy Passengers: What’s Changing?
The Railway Minister announced this initiative, emphasizing that passengers have a right to know what they’re paying for. “Menu of all food items along with rates are available on IRCTC’s website for information of passengers,” he stated. He further added that printed menu cards with all details are already made available with waiters and presented to passengers on demand.
Here’s what you can expect:
Visible Menus: Clear and easily accessible menus in pantry cars.
Transparent Pricing: Display of rates for all food items, eliminating hidden costs.
Digital Access: SMS to passengers with a link to the menu and tariff.
Website Information: Up-to-date menu and rate information available on the IRCTC website.
Tackling Food Quality and Hygiene Concerns
But it’s not just about the price; quality and hygiene are also top priorities. The Railway Minister highlighted several measures being taken to improve the overall dining experience on trains:
Designated Base Kitchens: Meals will be sourced from designated base kitchens, ensuring consistent quality.
Modern Kitchens: Modern base kitchens are being commissioned at various locations across the country.
CCTV Monitoring: Installation of CCTV cameras in base kitchens for enhanced monitoring of food preparation.
Branded Ingredients: Use of popular and branded raw materials for food production.
Food Safety Supervisors: Deployment of food safety supervisors at base kitchens to monitor hygiene practices.
QR Codes: QR codes on food packets providing details about the kitchen, packaging date, etc.
Regular Cleaning: Deep cleaning and pest control in base kitchens and pantry cars.
FSSAI Certification: Mandatory Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification for each catering unit.
Regular Inspections: Regular food sampling as part of the inspection and monitoring mechanism.
Third-Party Audits: Third-party audits to examine hygiene and quality of food in pantry cars and base kitchens.
Customer Surveys: Customer satisfaction surveys.
“Ab Railway Mein Khana Milega Shandar!”
This multi-pronged approach aims to address the common complaints of train travelers and ensure a more satisfying and transparent dining experience. By mandating clear menu displays and focusing on hygiene and quality, the Indian Railways is taking a significant step towards improving passenger satisfaction. So, next time you hop on a train, you can look forward to a delicious and fairly priced meal, knowing exactly what you’re getting – “Ab Railway Mein Khana Milega Shandar!” (Now you will get amazing food on the railways!)