The indigenously built ‘Train 18’ will soon undergo slight modifications to include adequate space for storage of food and catering services, a senior official said on Wednesday.
The decision was taken after the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, the railways’ catering arm, raised the issue at a recent meeting, stating that the space on the current rake was not enough to service passengers.
“In Train 18, there was no space to keep the food. The space available was one-third of the space available for us in Shatabdi. Even the tanks available for hot water were inadequate. However, the issue has been conveyed to the ICF [Integral Coach factory, Chennai] and they are already in the process of modifying the next rake,” the official said.
The official added that with the given space, the only option would have been to use the passages and area near the bathrooms, which was viable. The issue would be addressed in the new rakes.
While the menu, which will be available on the train, has not been finalised yet, the official said discussions were on for a more elaborate menu compared to what is currently being offered. “…it will depend on the tariff structure. Like in the Gatimaan Express, which has a higher tariff and thus, a better menu…”
Train 18, currently the fastest train in country breaching the 180 km/hour-mark during trial, is likely to start operations this month with the first run being between Delhi and Varanasi.
