IRCTC, Akshaya Patra to Offer ₹80 Hygienic Meals on Trains
In a move to address complaints about substandard food and overcharging on trains, the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has partnered with the Akshaya Patra Foundation to offer hygienic, fixed-price meals to passengers. The new initiative aims to provide a hassle-free dining experience to travelers, with meals priced at just ₹80. These eco-friendly meals will be served on corn flour plates and will be initially offered at select stations and onboard trains.
The news comes as a welcome relief to passengers who have long complained about the quality and pricing of food on trains. The IRCTC has faced criticism for serving stale and unhygienic food, with some passengers even falling ill after consuming the food. The partnership with Akshaya Patra, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing mid-day meals to underprivileged children, aims to bring about a change in the way food is served on trains.
The ₹80 meal package will include a variety of items such as rice, chapatis, dal, vegetables, and pickle. The meals will be prepared in a central kitchen and then transported to the trains, ensuring that the food is fresh and hygienic. The packaging will be done in eco-friendly corn flour plates, which will reduce the use of plastic and minimize waste.
The initiative is expected to launch before August 15 and will initially be available at select stations and onboard trains. The IRCTC is planning to expand the service to more stations and trains in the future. The partnership with Akshaya Patra will not only ensure that passengers get a good meal at an affordable price but also help in reducing food waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.
The IRCTC has been working to improve the quality of food on trains in recent years. In 2019, the organization introduced a new menu featuring a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. However, the quality of food has remained a major concern for passengers, with many complaining about the lack of hygiene and the high prices.
The partnership with Akshaya Patra marks a significant shift in the way food is served on trains. The organization is known for its mid-day meal program, which provides hot and nutritious meals to over 1.7 million children in 18,000 government schools across India. The partnership will allow the IRCTC to leverage Akshaya Patra’s expertise in food preparation and management to provide high-quality meals to passengers.
The initiative is also expected to create jobs and generate revenue for the IRCTC. The organization plans to hire more staff to manage the new meal service, which will help in reducing unemployment in the country. The revenue generated from the meal sales will also help in improving the infrastructure and services offered by the IRCTC.
In conclusion, the partnership between IRCTC and Akshaya Patra is a welcome move that aims to provide hygienic, fixed-price meals to passengers on trains. The ₹80 meal package offers a range of items at an affordable price, making it an attractive option for passengers. The eco-friendly packaging and the focus on reducing food waste make it a sustainable initiative that benefits both the environment and the passengers.
Source: https://trak.in/stories/irctc-will-launch-rs-80-eco-friendly-meals-in-partnership-with-akshay-patra/
