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The sip of a steaming cup of tea or enjyoing a freshly served meal has long been a quintessential part of train journeys in India. However, the inclusion of pantry cars, crucial for this experience, is a complex logistical decision influenced by availability, train load limits, and journey durations, Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

Responding to questions on catering services posed by Haris Beeran, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Vaishnaw outlined the factors determining pantry car attachment.

“Attachment of pantry car in any train is based on factors such as availability of pantry cars, load limitation, journey time of the train, etc. Catering services in trains running without pantry cars are provided through Train Side Vending and Static Units at en-route stations,” the minister stated in a written reply.

For trains without pantry cars, passengers can avail themselves of food via e-catering services, accessible at major stations along their route. These options aim to ensure that passengers have access to meals of their choice, the minister added.

Food vigilance on trains

Vaishnaw highlighted the government’s focus on maintaining the quality and affordability of food served on trains and stations.

Regular and surprise inspections are conducted by officials from Indian Railways and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to ensure compliance with standards.

“It is also ensured that food items are sold at notified tariff. In addition, special inspection drives are carried out with focus on aspects such as quality, price, etc. Prompt and appropriate punitive action, including imposition of fines, disciplinary action, counselling, warning etc., is taken in case of catering-related complaints,” the minister elaborated.

The minister also shared several measures undertaken to improve catering services across the network. These include the provision of meals from designated base kitchens, the commissioning of modern kitchens at key locations, and the installation of CCTV cameras for monitoring food preparation.

“As on December 7, a total of 611 base kitchens have been commissioned across the Indian Railways network,” Vaishnaw said.