Indian Railways consumers will now need to shell out at least ₹15 more for their morning tea and up to ₹105 more for lunch or dinner while on-board Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains, with the Railway Board deciding to hike catering charges to help improve food quality.
According to the Railways, the hike in charges will lead to an increase of 3-9% in the total fares for passengers. In Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains, catering charges are included in the fare (on opt-in basis). The revised catering tariff will come into effect from March 29, 2020.
For travellers in second class AC, third class AC and chair car, morning tea will now be priced at ₹20 (up from ₹10), breakfast at ₹105 (from ₹70), lunch and dinner at ₹185 (from ₹120), and evening tea at ₹90 (from ₹45), as per the new order. For sleeper class (Duronto Trains), morning tea prices have been revised to ₹15 (as against ₹10 earlier), breakfast to ₹65 (from ₹40), lunch/dinner to ₹120 (from ₹ 75) and evening tea to ₹50 (from ₹20).
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In first class AC and executive class of these trains, tea will cost ₹35 (₹15 at present), breakfast ₹140 (up from ₹90) and lunch and dinner ₹245 (from ₹140).
“To improve variety, hygiene and quality of food for its passengers, Indian Railways has rationalised the menus and revised the tariff for catering services,” an official statement said, adding that the revision has taken place after six years.
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The Railways has also decided to offer vegetarian, egg and chicken biryani at ₹80, ₹90 and ₹110, respectively as part of standard meal.
The Railways added that to prevent overcharging in the name of a-la-carte meals, it has now been decided that no a-la-carte meals shall be permitted for sale on Mail/Express trains. However, a la carte snacks items like samosa, pakoda, etc. will be permitted for sale