Indian Railways introduces pocket-friendly economy meals: Rs. 20 for satisfying meal, Rs. 50 for snacks

HYDERABAD: The Indian Railways in collaboration with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced 'Economy Meals' to offer quality, affordable, and hygienic meals to rail passengers, especially those traveling in General Coaches.

Anticipating the surge in passenger traffic during summer, rail passengers are provided with two types of meals at an affordable cost, particularly those traveling in General Coaches. These meal counters are now operational at over 100 stations and nearly 150 counters in total across Indian Railways.

Economy meals are being served at 12 stations and 23 counters on South Central Railway to cater to passengers. These stations include Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Renigunta, Guntakal, Tirupati, Rajahmundry, Vikarabad, Pakala, Dhone, Nandyal, Purna, and Aurangabad railway stations.

To ensure easy access, these meals and water are made available at counters conveniently located near General Second Class (GS) coaches on platforms. Passengers can buy their refreshments directly from these counters, eliminating the need to search for vendors or venture outside the station.

Earlier, this service was successfully piloted at about 51 stations last year across Indian Railways. Building on that success, Railways has significantly expanded the program, with counters now operational at over 100 stations and nearly 150 counters in total. The initiative is slated for further growth, encompassing even more stations in the near future.

Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager South Central Railway, expressed that the provision of Economy meals will be mainly useful to the general passengers. Over SCR, these are being provided at seven stations and would be served with economy meal from the kitchen units of IRCTC that are functioning at these stations.

The initiative offers two types of meals

• Economy Meals : Priced at a pocket-friendly Rs. 20, these meals provide a satisfying and affordable option for passengers on the go.
• Snack Meals : For those seeking a lighter bite, Rs. 50 snack meals are also available.