Indian Railways is taking a significant step towards improving the food experience for passengers.
As millions travel by trains daily, the food served has often been a topic of discussion and sometimes dissatisfaction among passengers.
In response to these concerns, the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced an exciting development.
Soon, passengers will be able to enjoy their favorite local foods while traveling on trains across the country.
What’s Changing?
In response to a query raised by DMK MP Sumati T. during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, the Railway Minister shared that Indian Railways is planning to serve local food from different regions in trains.
This initiative aims to provide passengers with a taste of the local cuisine of the areas they are traveling through.
Southern Railway’s Experiment
Southern Railway has already started a significant experiment with this concept. It is the first railway zone to implement this initiative.
For instance, passengers traveling on trains in Tamil Nadu can soon expect to enjoy South Indian food on board, including dishes like idli, dosa, vada, and sambar, instead of the usual generic options.
Wider Implementation Across India
This experiment is set to be rolled out across the entire country, meaning that trains will offer passengers regional delicacies, no matter where they are traveling. For example:
Passengers traveling in Punjab might enjoy parathas or chole bhature.
In Maharashtra, pav bhaji or misal pav might be available.
For those traveling through Bengal, macher jhol (fish curry) or shorshe ilish (hilsa in mustard sauce) could be part of the menu.
Addressing Language and Cultural Barriers
In addition to serving local food, the Railway Minister also responded to concerns about language barriers. DMK MP Sumati T.
had mentioned that passengers face difficulties communicating their needs due to language differences, especially when Hindi is the dominant language on some trains.
The Railway Ministry is aware of this issue and is taking steps to address it, ensuring that the travel experience is more inclusive and convenient for passengers from all regions.
The Goal: More Regional Representation in Railway Meals
This change is part of a broader initiative by Indian Railways to continuously improve passenger services and make travel more comfortable.
By providing regional food, Railways aims to create a more personalized experience for passengers, allowing them to enjoy the rich variety of India’s culinary traditions, no matter where they are on their journey.
The Future of Train Travel in India
This change is expected to be a welcome development for train travelers across India, making the train journey not just about reaching the destination but also about experiencing the country’s diverse food culture.
The plan is also aligned with the larger goal of enhancing train services and improving the overall passenger experience.
