Restaurant at Railway Stations
Indian Railway is always keen to provide passenger friendly initiative at stations and in Trains. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation is a subsidiary of the Indian Railways that handles the catering, tourism and online ticketing operations of the Railway has now started Restaurant or Food Plaza units at Railway Stations. Zone wise details are following.
- Central Railway : Restaurant on Wheels at Railway Stations
- Southern Railway : Restaurant at Railway Stations
- Western Railway : Restaurant at Railway Stations
Central Railway : Restaurant on Wheels at Railway Stations
Nashik Railway Station : Rail Coach Dining
Central Railway sets up “Restaurant on Wheels” – the first of its kind in Mumbai at CSMT.
Central Railway announced on 18.10.2021 that Railway has set up ‘Restaurant on Wheels’ in Mumbai at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus under Innovative Ideas of catering policy. The restaurant has been made using a discarded rail coach which will become a landmark eating house in this area. The restaurant coach mounted on rails is located at the Heritage Gully, opposite platform no 18, CSMT. The Heritage gully has rail artifacts including narrow gauge locomotives, parts of old printing press etc. The place offers ample space besides easy connectivity to the suburbs via the Freeway.
The restaurant will be a fine-dining place offering a unique experience to diners and will accommodate 40 patrons inside the coach with 10 tables. The interior of the restaurant has been decorated in such a way that passengers, as well as the public can enjoy the experience of dining in a rail-themed setting.
The license period is for one year and it is extendable based on the performance. The licensee will also be responsible to maintain the approach corridor/ surrounding at their own cost. Compliance of Food Adulteration Act and other statutory laws are to be adhered by the Licensee. Keeping in mind the safety aspect, portable fire extinguishers have been installed with staff having knowledge of operation of the equipment.
Rates and menu of the Restaurant will be decided by Licensee as per market rates approved by Railways. North, South, continental and other cuisine will be available and the restaurant will be open for passengers and general public as well. The restaurant will operate following all existing Covid-19 guidelines by Government for Restaurant.
Railway plans to explore the possibility of opening similar restaurants at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Kalyan, Neral, Lonavala and Igatpuri on Mumbai division. Tenders have been awarded at five other locations i.e. Nagpur, Akurdi, Baramati, Chinchwad & Miraj stations on CR.
Southern Railway : Restaurant at Railway Stations
Southern Railway started various food court at Southern Railway zone’s railway stations. List are following.
- Railway inaugurates KFC outlet at Dr.MGR Chennai Central
- Railway Food court at Velacherry Suburban Railway Station
Western Railway : Restaurant at Railway Stations
According to a press release by Western Railway, in its initiative to provide better passenger facilities at railway stations, a new Food Plaza Unit under Railway’s Food Track called ‘Gourmet Times’ was opened for passengers at Churchgate station on 30th September, 2019 by Railway.
Railway has awarded the license to operate and manage the Food Plaza Unit at Churchgate station to M/s Brandavan Food Products, which is an ISO 22000:2005 certified company. This Delhi based company has an experience of 20 years in the catering business and has been serving in Railway Catering since the last 10 years and at present has more than eight outlets pan India.
This outlet will run under the brand name ‘Gourmet Times’ and will serve North Indian, South Indian & Chinese cuisines. A host of catering facilities will be made available to the travelling public, including a cafeteria with quick service facility along with take away counter. From Domino’s Pizza to Bikaji Sweets, ‘Gourmet Times’ has a variety of food and quality food for passengers. Passengers can also enjoy fresh juices, shakes and lassi.
The food plaza has state-of-the-art equipment and modern ambience to meet growing expectations of passengers. Special care has been taken to comply with food safety standards. A digital display menu and option of digital payment makes the Food Plaza more efficient and on-the-go for a passenger who’s in rush to grab a bite. The railway administration always strives to provide the best possible amenities to passengers and emphasizes to ensure to make them better in the future.
List of Station facility provided by Indian Railway
- Shopping Facility at Railway Stations
- Plastic Bottle recycling Machines at Railway Stations
- Waiting Rooms in Railway Stations
- Breast Feeding Cabins in Railway Stations
- Health Kiosk at Railway Stations
- Public Fridge at Railway Stations
- Travelling Kit at Railway Stations
- EV Charging Facility at Railway Stations
