Making changes in the catering policy, Indian Railways has approved opening of premium food outlets like KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Haldiram at stations. The outlets will be given through e-auction and 1,200+ stations are included in the redevelopment. Better food facilities will be available soon.
New Delhi. Indian Railways has prepared to give a new experience to the passengers by making a major change in its catering policy. Popular food brands like KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Haldiram, Bikanervala can soon be seen at many railway stations in the country. This change is important because around 2.3 crore people travel on Indian Railways every day, and many of them have been demanding for a long time that there should be better and reliable food options at stations.
Are premium food chains going to open at stations now? Railways has opened a big path!
The South Central Railway zone had sent a proposal to the Railway Board, stating that premium single-brand food outlets could be opened at the 1,200+ railway stations that are being redeveloped across the country. In big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, new station designs are being made in such a way that space can be easily available for big brands. Railway Board, considering the proposal, has amended the catering policy, due to which outlets of big food brands can now be opened at the station. For this reason, Railways has made policy changes so that passengers can get clean, tasty and branded food.
Which brands will now be able to open outlets at railway stations?
According to the new policy, the following brands will be able to open outlets at the station:
- KFC
- McDonald’s
- Pizza Hut
- Baskin Robbins
- Haldiram
- Bikanerwala
- Company-owned or franchised premium brands
What does the policy say? Have there been any major changes?
According to the new policy, zonal railways will be able to allow company-owned, operated or franchised outlets where there is demand and justification. For this, space will be fixed in the plan/blueprint of the station. Railway Board has made it clear that there will be no change in the reservation policy, that is, the pre-determined quota for SC, ST, OBC, freedom fighters, displaced persons – all of them will remain intact.
The biggest thing is that-
- Stalls of premium brands will no longer be given through nomination.
- These will be allotted only through e-auction.
- The operating period of each outlet has been fixed at 5 years.
This change will not cause any problem in the old stall system, because these outlets will be included in the master plan of the station by taking separate space.
What’s new in the new changes?
Till now there were three types of food stalls at railway stations:
- Beverage stalls
- Snack stalls
- Tea/Milk/Juice stalls
Now a new category has been added to these three: Premium Brand Catering Outlet means those outlets which will run only premium, popular and national/international brands.
What will be the benefit to passengers from the new policy?
- Reliable and hygienic food
- Same brand available all over the country
- Easy access to food at night and during long waits
- Better experience at stations
- International catering quality
Will premium outlets open at every station?
- Not necessary.
- Every Zonal Railway will see that:
- Number of passengers at that station
- available space
- demand for outlets
- economic viability
Such outlets may soon appear at big stations where there is a high footfall of passengers.
Will railway stations now become ‘food hubs’?
- Railways aims to ensure that passengers get the best food experience during their journey, and that the stations are equipped with modern facilities.
- It is clear from the new policy that in the coming time, railway stations will not just become a place of travel but will become like mini food courts.
Stations will change, journey will change – food experience will also level up!
This step of Railways will give a new shape to the travel quality in India. In the coming months, when you get down at any major station, it will not be surprising to see a board of Pizza Hut, KFC or Haldiram in front of you.