PASSENGERS TRAVELLING IN UNRESERVED COMPARTMENTS TO GET MEALS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES: INDIAN RAILWAYS
Indian Railways' new initiative will now enable train passengers travelling in unreserved compartments to get hygienic meals and snacks at affordable prices at stations under a new initiative by the Railways, an official said. These meal counters are operational at over 100 stations and nearly 150 counters across Indian Railways, and the facility will be expanded further.
"Indian Railways along with Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is stepping up to serve passengers, particularly those in unreserved coaches, with a new initiative offering hygienic meals and snacks at affordable prices," the railway official said, reported news agency PTI.
He added, "We anticipate a surge in passenger traffic during the summer months and recognise the challenges faced by those travelling in unreserved compartments (General Class Coaches), who may not always have access to convenient and budget-friendly meal options."\
According to Railways, to ensure easy access, these meal counters are conveniently placed near general second class (GS) coaches on platforms.
"There are two categories, the economy meal which costs Rs 20 and the snack meal which comes at Rs 50. Passengers can buy their refreshments directly from these counters, eliminating the need to search for vendors or venture outside the station," the official said.
He said the service was successfully piloted at about 51 stations last year. "Building on that success, Railways has significantly expanded the programme, with counters now operational at over 100 stations and nearly 150 counters in total. The initiative is slated for further growth, encompassing even more stations in the near future," the official said.
Meanwhile, over 100 women train drivers have raised concern for their safety and highlighted lack of facilities after the Jhansi Rail Division recently issued an order directing them to do all work shifts "on a par with male drivers".
Before this direction, female drivers were assigned train duty in such a way that they used to either complete their trip and come home or reach the destination station before 10 at night and rest in 'running rooms'.
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The latest order by the Jhansi division was issued on April 16 this year. A section of the women drivers have sent a written complaint to the divisional railway manager (DRM), Jhansi, in this regard.