IRCTC Tightens Catering Rules To Boost Food Quality On Trains

07 Aug 2025 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Energy

19 Sep 2025

J&K CM Rules Out Power Privatisation, Focuses on Sector Reform

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed speculation regarding privatisation of electricity in the Union Territory, emphasising that his priority is to strengthen and reform the power sector.“We are not discussing privatisation. By reducing losses, improving billing efficiency, and enhancing revenue, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform the power sector in J&K,” Abdullah stated.He addressed the gathering at the 58th Engineers’ Day at SKICC on Monday evening, an event honouring Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya for his pioneering contri..

Infrastructure Urban

19 Sep 2025

Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock to Get Tech-Driven Modernisation with Finland

The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with Finland, will modernise Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock using advanced technology, state minister Nitesh Rane announced on Wednesday.Rane met a delegation of Finnish officials and representatives of Finnish companies at the dock to discuss strategic plans for upgrading the facility in south Mumbai, according to an official statement.Built in the 19th century, Sassoon Dock is one of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest fishing harbours. Operations currently exceed its original capacity, raising concerns over hygiene, odour, fish handling standards, an..

Infrastructure Energy

19 Sep 2025

Agarwal Industrial Wins Rs 3.3 Billion IOCL Bitumen Tender

Agarwal Industrial Corporation rose 3.84 per cent to Rs 945.65 after announcing it had secured a prestigious tender from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) worth Rs 3.3 billion.In a regulatory filing during market hours, the company confirmed it had won the tender to supply Bulk Bitumen (VG-30 and VG-40 grades) to IOCL’s Kakinada locations.The firm quantity under the award totals around 60,500 tonnes across 11 parcels, while the optional quantity is approximately 33,000 tonnes across six parcels. This brings the total awarded quantity to roughly 93,500 tonnes. At current market prices, the firm o..