+
IRCTC Tightens Catering Rules To Boost Food Quality On Trains
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

IRCTC Tightens Catering Rules To Boost Food Quality On Trains

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Telangana Plans Rs 135 Bn Underground Cable Project

The Telangana government has unveiled an ambitious Rs 135 billion initiative to replace 25,000 km of overhead power lines with underground (UG) cables across the Core Urban Region (CUR), which includes Greater Hyderabad, areas within the Outer Ring Road, and Bharat Future City. The project seeks to modernise the city’s electrical infrastructure, aiming to reduce outages caused by weather or accidents.Led by the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Ltd (TGSPDCL), the scheme is designed to improve safety, reduce disruption during rainfall, and lower long-term maintenance costs. Cur..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Nayara Ships Fuel Despite EU Sanctions Disruption

Russia-backed Indian refiner Nayara Energy has exported its first petrol cargo since being sanctioned by the European Union on 18 July, according to four shipping sources and LSEG data.The tanker Tempest Dream, carrying approximately 43,000 metric tonnes (363,350 barrels) of petrol, departed on Monday for Sohar, Oman, based on LSEG shipping data, although the buyer’s identity remains unverified. The vessel was itself sanctioned by the United Kingdom in June.A second vessel, the Sard, currently docked at Nayara’s Vadinar port in western India, is expected to load around 43,000 tonnes of die..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Brokerages Bullish on Vedanta’s FY26 Growth Prospects

Major Indian and global brokerages remain optimistic about Vedanta Ltd’s performance for FY26, highlighting firm London Metal Exchange (LME) pricing, disciplined cost controls, a strong aluminium business, and deleveraging as the company’s key growth drivers.Several upcoming growth projects, slated for commissioning over the next few quarters, also support the positive outlook.JP Morgan reported that Vedanta’s consolidated EBITDA for Q1 was broadly in line with expectations. Segments such as aluminium, oil and gas, and power performed better than anticipated, resulting in a segmental EBI..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?