29 April,2024 07:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
The economy meal counter on the Western Railway offers meal for Rs 20.
A year after affordable meals were introduced by Railways, Western Railway (WR) has now introduced the service in the city at Mumbai Central station and Bandra Terminus. Economy meals for Rs 20 and water bottle refills at Rs 3 are now available at city stations. To ensure easy access, these meals are available at counters on platforms conveniently located near General Second Class (GS) coaches for passengers with unreserved tickets.
These meal counters are operational at over 100 stations and nearly 150 counters across Indian Railways. In the Western Railway, such economical meal counters are now operational at Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Bharuch, Vadodara and Chittaurgarh stations. Besides, economy drinking water counter is now available at Andheri station. According to Sumit Thakur, chief public relations officer of Western Railway, "The counters for economy meals are being aligned with the location of General Second (GS) Class coaches at platforms."
"Passengers can buy their refreshments directly from these counters, eliminating the need to search for vendors or venture outside the station. This service was successfully piloted at about 51 stations last year. Building on that success, Railways has expanded the program, with counters now operational at over 100 stations and nearly 150 counters in total," he said.
"Indian Railways along with Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has taken the initiative for those in unreserved coaches offering hygienic meals and snacks at affordable prices taking into consideration the surge in passenger traffic during the summer months. In this direction, WR has introduced the facility of economical/affordable meals at Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Bharuch, Vadodara and Chittaurgarh stations. More stations are being identified to open such stalls. Economy meals and water will be introduced at stations through the extended service counters," he said.
Rs 50
Cost of a snack meal
Economy Meals: Priced at a pocket-friendly Rs 20, these meals provide a satisfying and affordable option for passengers on the go.
Snack Meals: For those seeking a lighter bite, Rs 50 snack meals are also available.