Indian Railways Cancels All Mobile Catering Contracts Across India; No One Allowed To Sell Food In Trains Now

The IRCTC subdivision of the Ministry of Railways has canceled its existing mobile catering contracts in the wake of depressed demand and presence of traveling passengers availing of the catering services. 

The ministry has asked for understanding of the fact that this case not be misunderstood as a case of contractor’s default that warrants imposition of fine for non provision of catering services

All Mobile Catering Contracts Suspended

Members of Indian Railways’ Mobile Caterers Association (ICRMCA) raised the issue of mobile catering to the Madras High Court on 19 January, 2021 which turned out to be sympathetic of members of the association to put forward their contentions and pass orders within four weeks

The development as of Jan follows that IRCTC is declaring resumption of e-Catering services from Feb. 

IRCTC had restarted operation of Tejas Express trains from October but later in November cancelled its fleet of Tejas Express trains due to low occupancy.

Who Will Sell Food In Trains Now?

IRCTC is the only entity authorised by Indian Railways to provide catering services, online railway tickets and packaged drinking water at railway stations. The company saw its total revenue nosedive to Rs 245.23 crore during the third quarter under review as against Rs 734.98 crore in the year-ago period.

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Top 9 Features Of IRCTC’s New Website Which Every Rail Passenger Should Know, learn more.