Mumbai: Andheri gets its first restaurant on wheels

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Western Railway (WR) for the first time has introduced the concept of a restaurant on wheels at its suburban stations, starting with Andheri and with plans for Bandra and Borivli, too. The concept was introduced on Central Railway (CR) a few years ago and has been popular.

"This concept revolves around converting old unserviceable coaches into swanky restaurants mounted on wheels. The restaurant will offer a unique, luxurious dining experience inside the modified coaches. The concept is the first of its kind over Western Railway's suburban region, which aims to transform the dining experience of railway commuters," WR chief spokesperson Sumit Thakur said.

The work of other ‘Restaurant on Wheels' is underway at Borivli and Bandra stations. The three restaurants will contribute R5.94 crore by way of non-fare revenue (NFR).

WR is also looking forward to commissioning more such ‘Restaurant on Wheels' at Surat, Bandra Terminus, Valsad, Lower Parel and Vasai Road stations, etc. "The Restaurant on Wheels was opened at Andheri station on 16th January. The contract of this restaurant has been awarded to M/s OAM Industries, better known by their brand name Haldiram's. The restaurant can accommodate 48 patrons at a time and operates 24/7 to serve passengers. Additionally, it offers a takeaway counter for quick and on-the-go order collection," he said.

Thakur added that the fabrication work of the modified coach into a state-of-the-art restaurant with an attached kitchen is completed at Andheri station and the facility is ready to serve customers.

"The special attraction of the restaurant will be the sweets and snacks for which Haldiram's is well known globally. In addition, their multi-cuisine food will also be served inside the restaurant to satiate the appetite of rail travellers," he said.

A licensee will decide the rates and menu of the restaurant as per market rates approved by railways.

Rs 5.94 cr
The value these three restaurants will contribute by way of NFR