Railway Board Revises Catering Policy
Passengers across India may soon find popular food chains such as KFC, McDonald’s, Baskin Robbins, Pizza Hut, Haldiram’s, and Bikanerwala operating at railway stations. This comes after the Railway Board revised its catering policy to allow premium brand catering outlets at stations nationwide.
Proposal Initiated By South Central Railway
The proposal to issue guidelines for premium single-brand catering outlets was first mooted by the South Central Railway zone. The initiative aims to enhance passenger experience while integrating globally recognized food brands into railway stations. (AI Photo)
Metro City Stations Prioritized For Outlets
Sources indicated that the proposal coincides with the ongoing redevelopment of over 1,200 railway stations across India, including major stations in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. The newly revamped stations will have adequate space to accommodate these premium outlets.
Revised Norms And Outlet Guidelines
As per the revised norms circulated to all railway zones on Thursday, zonal railways will allow single-brand outlets, whether company-owned, directly operated, or through franchisees, wherever there is sufficient demand and justification. These outlets will be incorporated into station plans or blueprints without disturbing the existing reservation policy. (AI Photo)
Reservation Policy Maintained
The current reservation system for allotting stalls specifies quotas for SCs, STs, OBCs, freedom fighters and their widows, and persons displaced due to railway land acquisition. The introduction of premium brand outlets will not interfere with these quotas.
Allotment And Tenure Rules:
The Railway Board clarified that premium brand stalls cannot be allotted on a nomination basis. Instead, they will be allotted exclusively through the existing e-auction policy, and each outlet will have a tenure of five years.
New Category Of Catering Outlet
Railway stations currently have three types of food stalls—selling beverages, snacks, tea, milk, and juice. The revised policy introduces a new fourth category called “Premium Brand Catering Outlet” to classify these global food chains.
Passenger Demand and Implementation
With around 2.3 crore passengers travelling daily, there is significant demand for such premium outlets at high-footfall stations. Zonal railways will assess demand, available space, and implementation strategies, formulating special contract conditions as required to ensure smooth operation.