Increase in Meal Prices in Trains questioned in Parliament

 Increase in Meal Prices in Trains questioned in Parliament 

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 58
TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2022

INCREASE IN MEAL PRICES IN TRAINS

*58. SHRI HAJI FAZLUR REHMAN:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Railway Board has increased the prices of tea and food items along with special meals served in trains;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the details of rates increased in Shatabdi/ Rajdhani/Duronto and Express trains along with the profit likely to be earned by the Railways therefrom?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) and (b): No, Sir. The menu and tariff of catering services comprising all meals including morning/ evening tea with snacks in Rajdhani/ Shatabdi/ Duronto trains and Standard Meals in other Mail/ Express trains are charged vide Commercial Circular No. 60 of 2019. The rates of tea and coffee in Mail/Express trains are charged vide Ministry of Railways’ Commercial Circular No. 53 of 2018.

As per Railway Board’s instructions dated 13.03.2018, the passengers who opt out of prepaid catering (in Rajdhani/ Shatabdi/ Duronto/ Vande Bharat/ Gatiman/ Tejas), are required to pay an extra charge of Rs 50 per meal in addition to the notified catering tariff for that specific meal if demanded. To clarify the matter, vide Railway Board’s letter dated 15.07.2022 the applicable charge for each catering service has been specified for passengers who have opted for prepaid catering service and for those who have not. It has been specified that the extra charge of Rs 50 will not be applicable on morning tea/coffee. It will also not be applicable on Evening Tea with snacks in Sleeper Class of Duronto Trains and on extra meal in case of late running of trains.

(c): Does not arise.

Source: Lok Sabha PDF