Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on March 10 said efforts were on to ensure good quality food, including “ethnic food”, to railway passengers. Responding to a query in the Rajya Sabha on the quality and serving style of food in trains, the minister said “base kitchens” were being set up to ensure good quality food to travellers.
“Food will be cooked in these base kitchens and professional agencies, with good experience in hospitality, will be hired to distribute the food,” he said.
He said since India had lots of diversity in food, people should also be served ethnic food in trains.
Speaking about food related issues the passengers may have, Prabhu said that a hotline had been established for passengers to lodge complaints, if any, regarding food and the way it is served.
Earlier, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu launched Catering Policy 2017 that separates the functioning of cooking and food distribution onboard.
IRCTC shall determine the menu of standard meals, in consultation with zonal railways, keeping into consideration the local taste and cuisine.
