In a bid to cater to passengers traveling in general coaches, Indian Railways, in collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), has rolled out a new initiative offering snacks and meals at economical rates. Priced at just Rs. 20 for meals and Rs. 3 for drinking water, this service aims to provide affordable and nutritious food options to passengers, especially during the sweltering summer months when travel demand surges.
The Economy Meals counters will be conveniently located around general class coaches, ensuring easy access for passengers to purchase meals without the hassle of searching for vendors. This initiative, which commenced on April 17, offers a range of meal options priced between Rs. 20 and Rs. 50, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Expanding its reach, IRCTC has established 150 Economy Meals counters at 100 stations across the country. This expansion marks a significant increase from last year when this service was available at only 51 stations. Stations such as Pune, Nagpur, Wardha, Solapur, Miraj, Khandwa, Sainagar Shirdi, Badnera, and Manmad, among others, now host these counters, ensuring that passengers have access to affordable dining options throughout their journey. Additionally, 34 stations under the Central Railway zone have also set up Economy Meals counters.
Here’s a glimpse of the menu available at the Economy Meals counters:
- Public Meal: Includes 7 puris, dry potato curry, and pickle, priced at Rs. 20.
- South Indian Snacks: Snacks made from South Indian rice, priced at Rs. 50.
- Rice Economy Meal: Options like curd rice, lemon rice, or tamarind rice, priced at Rs. 20.
- Rajma/Chole Rice: Rice served with kidney beans or chickpeas curry, priced at Rs. 50.
- Chole Bhature/Kulcha: Popular North Indian dishes, priced at Rs. 50.
- Pav Bhaji: A Mumbai street food favorite, priced at Rs. 50.
- Masala Dosa: A South Indian delicacy, priced at Rs. 50.
With this initiative, Indian Railways aims to enhance the travel experience of passengers by providing them with hygienic, affordable, and tasty food options, ensuring their journey is comfortable and enjoyable.