In a move to enhance the travel experience for rail passengers, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced 'Economy Meals'. These meals, priced at just INR 20, are designed to provide budget-friendly and hygienic food options for passengers, especially those in unreserved compartments.
Strategic Deployment Across Key Stations
The rollout of these meals aligns with IRCTC's goal to improve onboard services. Initially, the meal counters will be established at 100 railway stations across India. The initiative aims to cater to the summer travel rush by providing easy access to affordable meals, ensuring that passengers have access to quality food without stretching their budgets.
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Meal Options and Pricing
Passengers at the designated stations can choose from two types of meals: 'Economy Meals' for INR 20 and 'Snack Meals' for INR 50. The latter offers lighter snack options for travellers looking for a quick bite. This initiative ensures that even passengers travelling on tight budgets have access to nutritious meals during their journeys.
Enhancing Passenger Experience with Affordable Meals
The introduction of 'Economy Meals' is a reflection of IRCTC’s commitment to passenger comfort and satisfaction. By offering meals at such an economical price, IRCTC is addressing the needs of diverse travel groups, particularly those who travel in unreserved compartments and often struggle to find budget-friendly meal options.
Initial Setup and Future Growth
Meal counters are now operational at key stations on the South Central Railway route, including major hubs like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Tirupati. These locations were chosen due to their high passenger traffic, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative reach a broad audience. IRCTC plans to expand this service to more stations, further enhancing accessibility and convenience for travellers.
IRCTC's 'Economy Meals' initiative marks a significant step towards improving the travel experience on Indian railways by making hygienic and affordable meals accessible to all passengers. This effort not only caters to the immediate needs of travellers but also sets a precedent for future enhancements in railway passenger services.
