In response to persistent complaints about poor food quality and inflated prices, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is taking a significant step to improve onboard dining. The public sector body has announced a partnership with the Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide hygienic, affordable, and eco-friendly meals to railway passengers.
Why This Partnership Matters
A recent Railway Board report revealed that nearly 27% of daily passenger complaints relate to food issues—either substandard quality or overcharging. This has prompted IRCTC to rethink its strategy and align with a trusted non-profit. Akshaya Patra, widely acclaimed for its mid-day meal program for government schoolchildren, is known for its efficiency, hygiene, and large-scale meal preparation capabilities.
Launching Before Independence Day
According to IRCTC-Lucknow Chief Regional Manager Ajit Kumar Sinha, the new meal service will be launched just before Independence Day 2025. The initiative will roll out gradually, starting with 100 meal plates per day, increasing based on demand. Meals will be available both at select railway stations and onboard trains.
Each meal will be served on plates made of corn flour, aligning with the Railways’ broader push toward sustainability and reducing single-use plastics.
Meal Details for ₹80
For ₹80, passengers will receive a balanced and filling meal comprising:
- Plain Rice: 200 grams
- Chapatis: 2 pieces
- Dal: 150 grams
- Mixed Dry Vegetable: 100 grams
- Pickle: 10 grams
Passengers will also be able to pre-order their meals via the IRCTC e-catering platform.
Impact on Other Plans
The Railways had earlier proposed building high-capacity base kitchens at major stations, including one in Lucknow capable of preparing 10,000 meals daily. However, this plan has stalled due to logistical issues, particularly the transfer of land between Indian Railways and IRCTC. With the Akshaya Patra collaboration now in place, the earlier base kitchen plan may be shelved indefinitely.
Conclusion
By partnering with Akshaya Patra, IRCTC aims to not only resolve food-related grievances but also deliver safe, nutritious meals in an eco-conscious manner—setting a new benchmark for catering on Indian Railways.
