Local and regional dishes will now be available in trains

Passengers will now be able to enjoy local and regional dishes on trains. That is, local delicacies like Fafda in Gujarat-bound trains, Dhokla and Vada Pav in Maharashtra-bound trains will now be included in the menu of Railways. Along with this, options for diabetic food, baby food, and healthy food will also be given to the passengers. The Railway Board on Tuesday allowed the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to revamp its menu with the aim of improving its food catering services and giving more choices to passengers.
This will be the first time in the history of railways. In an order of the Railway Board issued on Tuesday, it has been said that the catering services in the trains are being improved. Taking this forward, it has been decided to allow IRCTC to customize the menu. This will enable a range of regional cuisines, seasonal delicacies, festival food and other food items to be customized in the menu based on the preferences of the travellers.
Till now the Railway Board used to decide the menu of food. The railways used to receive complaints from passengers from Maharashtra and western states that they do not get regional food as the railways have only one type of food and drink. The order also states that the menu for prepaid trains in which catering charges are included in the fare will be decided within the tariff already fixed by IRCTC.
Ordering (a-la-carte food) and sale of branded food items will be permitted by choosing any dish from the menu at MRP in Mail-Express trains. Its charge will be decided by IRCTC. The Board in its order while deciding the menu from IRCTC, has to ensure that the quality and standards of food and service are improved and the quantity is not cut repeatedly. Also, maintain quality, do not use substandard brands etc. to avoid passenger complaints. It also said that the menu should be in line with the tariff and the menu can be decided in advance for the information of the passengers.