Bengaluru: Passengers invariably grumble about the unsatisfactory quality of the fare dished out on long-distance train journeys. Now, that could change, thanks to a new initiative proposed by the railways. As part of their modernization efforts, they have decided to introduce ready-to-eat meals provided by industry majors on popular routes.
A beginning has been made by joining hands with Maiya's of the city to provide quality food on the Yesvantpur-Jaipur premium train which will start from the city on September 11. According to the railway officials, an understanding has been reached between industry majors on a trial basis ‘to provide a better food experience’ for train passengers. Mr. Sadananda Maiya, whose company is a part of the project, says that this new concept will be expanded to other trains based on the response they receive from the Jaipur train on September 11.
"We will be providing vegetarian food to the passengers on demand. We have a separate menu for passengers from both the sides. Our breakfast menu includes idli-sambar, upma, khichdi, bisi bele baath and other items as well. For lunch and dinner we provide rice and curry and roti and dal," he said.
"We are sending a team of experts on the train to get feedback on the new catering system and our services. Based on the customer experience we are planning to bring about changes in the menu. We intend to hold discussions with the railways about it," he said.
Railway officials say they have been toying with the idea of hiring the services of private caterers, for some time now. "There were complaints about our in- house catering system. Using the services of industry majors will help us to boost our revenue and allow passengers to select the food of their choice. Of late factors like quality have become top priority so we decided to invite the private players,” he said.
