Starting next month, railway passengers will have to pay more for food during their journey, though ticket fares will remain unchanged.The hike comes amid rising oil and gas prices in the country, worsened by the ongoing Iran conflict and the resulting crude oil crisis.
According to a notice issued on May 25 by the Chief Commercial Manager’s Office (Claims & Catering), prices of food and beverages at minor static catering units across Central Railway stations will increase from June 1.Central Railway said the revised menu and rates will be applicable at catering units in the Mumbai, Bhusaval, Nagpur, Solapur and Pune divisions.
Under the new rates, Vada Pav will cost Rs 20 instead of Rs 13, Samosa will rise from Rs 12 to Rs 20, and Ragda Pav from Rs 20 to Rs 25. Authorities are also reportedly planning changes in portion sizes and may introduce new items such as slush drinks, cream donuts, soup, dosa and noodles for passengers.
License holders have been directed to prominently display the revised menu and prices in both languages at all catering stalls. The circular stated that the price revision should also improve food quality.
Railway divisions will review sales performance six months after implementation, after which license fees may also be reassessed.The revised prices will apply only to à la carte items sold at minor catering units on Central Railway stations.
Standard menu items covered under existing Railway Board guidelines will continue at the current rates.Meanwhile, India’s hotel and hospitality sector is also facing pressure due to rising fuel prices, especially aviation turbine fuel (ATF), along with disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis.
In an interview, Hotel Association of India president K.B. Kachru said geopolitical tensions are impacting almost every sector. He warned that any increase in travel costs due to fuel price hikes could weaken consumer confidence and reduce tourism demand.