Indian Railways, along with IRCTC, has launched ‘Budget-friendly Meals’ to ease travel for passengers, particularly those in general coaches. To accommodate the expected increase in summer passenger traffic, Indian Rail-ways is offering two affordable meal options, especially for those traveling in general coaches. As part of this effort, passengers can choose between two meal options at reasonable prices: the Economy Meal priced at ₹20 and the Snack Meal priced at ₹50.
These meal counters are currently active at more than 100 stations throughout the Indian Rail-ways network.Economy meals are now available at 23 counters located in 12 South Central Rail-way stations. These stations encompass key locations such as Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Renigunta, Guntakal, Tirupati, Rajahmundry, Vikarabad, Pakala, Dhone, Nandyal, Purna, and Aurangabad railway stations.
Sumit Thakur, the chief public relations officer (PRO) of Western Railway, stated that the counters for affordable meals are strategically placed near the General Second (GS) Class coaches on the platforms. He also highlighted that this initiative from Indian Rail-ways adopts a dual strategy to cater to passenger needs effectively.
Over Vijayawada Division, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam Road within the Waltair Division of the East Coast Railway, the meals are being sold at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry Station Refreshment Rooms and Jan Ahaar units.The initiative offers a two-pronged approach. One can avail Economy Meals, which is priced at Rs 20, providing a satisfying and affordable for passengers on the go. If one seeks a lighter bite, one can opt for Snack Meals priced at Rs 50.
Divisional Railway Manager Suarabh Prasad mentioned that these meals are easily accessible at counters near the general second-class (GS) coaches on platforms. The goal of this initiative is to meet passengers’ food needs while prioritizing convenience and affordability. Additionally, the Waltair Division has collaborated with NGOs and voluntary agencies to offer drinking water and buttermilk at railway stations during the summer season.
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