IRCTC, Akshaya Patra to Offer ₹80 Hygienic Meals on Trains
The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a new initiative to tackle the long-standing complaints about substandard food and overcharging on trains. In partnership with the Akshaya Patra Foundation, a leading non-profit organization, IRCTC will offer hygienic, fixed-price meals to passengers at an affordable rate of ₹80 per meal.
The new meal service, which will feature a balanced and nutritious menu, will be served on eco-friendly corn flour plates and initially offered at select stations and onboard trains. The initiative is expected to launch before August 15, making it a timely offering for passengers traveling during the festive season.
The menu, which has been designed by the Akshaya Patra Foundation, will include a variety of items such as rice, chapatis, dal, vegetables, and pickle. The meals will be prepared in a state-of-the-art kitchen facility, ensuring that they are not only delicious but also safe and hygienic for consumption.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation, known for its efforts in providing mid-day meals to underprivileged children, has extensive experience in food preparation and management. The organization’s partnership with IRCTC will bring its expertise in food quality and hygiene to the rail catering sector, ensuring that passengers enjoy a superior dining experience.
The introduction of fixed-price meals is a significant step towards addressing the issue of overcharging on trains. Passengers will no longer have to worry about inflated prices or poor quality food, making their journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
The use of eco-friendly corn flour plates is another innovative aspect of the initiative. The plates are biodegradable, compostable, and non-toxic, reducing the environmental impact of the meal service. This eco-friendly approach is in line with IRCTC’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.
The introduction of the ₹80 meal service is expected to benefit passengers across various segments, including budget-conscious travelers, families, and senior citizens. The fixed price will also help passengers plan their expenses better, making their journey more affordable and convenient.
The IRCTC-Akshaya Patra partnership is a significant development in the Indian rail catering sector, which has faced criticism for its substandard food quality and inflated prices. The initiative is expected to set a new standard for food quality and pricing on trains, making Indian Railways a more passenger-friendly and competitive option.
In a statement, IRCTC Managing Director and CEO, M.P. Mall, said, “We are committed to providing a superior dining experience to our passengers. Our partnership with Akshaya Patra Foundation will enable us to offer a hygienic and nutritious meal option at a fixed price, making it a convenient and affordable choice for our passengers.”
The Akshaya Patra Foundation has also expressed its enthusiasm for the partnership, saying that it is committed to providing high-quality food to passengers while also promoting sustainable practices.
The launch of the ₹80 meal service is expected to boost passenger satisfaction and increase the demand for rail travel. With its focus on quality, hygiene, and sustainability, the initiative is likely to set a new benchmark for the Indian rail catering sector, making Indian Railways a more attractive option for passengers.
Source: https://trak.in/stories/irctc-will-launch-rs-80-eco-friendly-meals-in-partnership-with-akshay-patra/
