Bharuch: Indian Railways, along with Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), has taken a noble initiative to serve passengers, particularly those in unreserved coaches, with a new program offering hygienic meals and snacks at affordable prices. This initiative has been undertaken taking into consideration the surge in passenger traffic during the summer months. In this direction, Western Railway has also introduced the facility of economical/affordable meals at Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Bharuch, Vadodara and Chittaurgarh Stations. Further, more stations are being identified and will be covered for the provision of extended service counters progressively for the availability of economy meals and water.

According to a press release issued by Sumit Thakur, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the counters for economical/affordable meals are being aligned with the location of General Second (GS) Class coaches at platforms. This initiative offers a two-pronged approach:

·Economy Meals: Priced at a pocket-friendly Rs. 20/-, these meals provide a satisfying and affordable option for passengers o­n the go.

·Snack Meals: For those seeking a lighter bite, Rs. 50/- snack meals are also available.

Passengers can buy their refreshments directly from these counters, eliminating the need to search for vendors or venture outside the station. This service was successfully piloted at about 51 stations last year. Building o­n that success, Railways has significantly expanded the program, with counters now operational at over 100 stations and nearly 150 counters in total. The initiative is slated for further growth, encompassing even more stations in the near future. This program offers a significant benefit for passengers, particularly those travelling in General Class coaches. The readily available, affordable meals and snacks ensure travelers can stay comfortable throughout their journeys. DeshGujarat