Back To Pre-Covid Measures: Railways To Soon Serve Cooked Meals On Trains

In a much-awaited respite, train passengers will soon be able to enjoy cooked food on the train.

The Railways has issued an order to resume serving cooked meals to passengers on trains. The service was discontinued due to Covid-led restrictions.

The Railways, in a letter, has asked its tourism and catering arm Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to resume the service.

Ready-to-eat meals and-catering facilities will also continue to be served to passengers in the Mail/Express trains.

"In view of the restoration of normal train services, requirements of travelling passengers and easing of Covid lockdown restrictions in eateries, restaurants, hotels and such other places across the country, it has been decided by the Ministry of Railways to resume the services of cooked food in trains. Service of ready-to-eat meals will also continue," the Railways letter stated.

Recently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has also allowed airlines to serve meals on all domestic flights.

Both the decisions come as India's coronavirus scenario remains under control with average daily cases hovering around 10,000-12,000 since the past few days.

Recently, pantry cars were redesigned to make them an electric power based one.

Earlier this month, the Railways had announced the running of normal trains, withdrawing the special tag which had been in place for the pandemic.

In a letter to zones, the Railways said trains will now be operated with their regular numbers and fares will revert to normal pre-Covid prices.

With the operation of special trains and no concessions, the Railways' revenue has seen substantial growth. It registered an increase in earnings from the passenger segment during the second quarter of 2021-2022 as compared to the first.