To improve food quality and hygiene on trains, the Ministry of Railways has implemented new catering guidelines under Commercial Circular No. 24 of 2023. The circular replaces individual train catering contracts with cluster-based contracts, introducing end-to-end accountability and focusing on infrastructure development.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has created route-based train clusters and identified base kitchen locations to supply meals under existing policy norms. Contracts for these clusters were awarded transparently to the highest bidders based on the stipulated tender terms. IRCTC has also instituted robust monitoring and compliance systems to prevent unethical practices and ensure adherence to contractual conditions.

Out of 24 entities that bid for these catering clusters, 20 have been awarded contracts. No single bidder has secured 80 per cent of Cluster A contracts. Details of Letters of Award (LOAs) are available on IRCTC's website.

The ministry continues to receive and examine feedback, complaints, and suggestions from various stakeholders, including elected representatives and catering associations. These are addressed based on merit. In 2024–25, IRCTC imposed Rs 13.2 million in penalties related to catering complaints. Complaints are also tracked through the RailMadad portal.

Indian Railways currently serves an average of 1.65 million meals daily. To ensure uninterrupted and quality service delivery, Indian Railways updates its service protocols periodically.

As part of the service upgrade, the circular mandates specific staff qualifications and training requirements. Hotel management graduates are now required to supervise catering operations. Currently, 819 hospitality monitors are deployed across kitchens, while 876 oversee onboard catering services in trains.

This information was provided by the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.