Railways get complaints of unhygienic food served in trains

New Delhi, Mar 2 (UNI) The Railway Ministry has received complaints of unhygienic food served in trains, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Out of 1826 complaints received in 2006-07 till December, 128 related to unhygienic food, Minister of State for Railways R Velu said in a written reply.

He said reputed caterers and private companies in catering/hospitality business are invited to participate in the bidding process for award of contract for comprehensive on board catering services.

Hotels: Replying to another question, Mr Velu said the Railways had identified 100 sites near stations for construction of budget hotels. Out of those, 20 sites had been identified and tenders for 10 sites floated.

As many as 25 per cent of the rooms in such hotels woukld be priced less than Rs 1000 per month, he said.

Toilets: The Minister said environment-friedly toilets for trains were also being developed by Railways.

However, first small number of biological toilets and vacuum toilets will be procured for field experience and bulk fitment, he said.

Commercial sites: The Railways are developing their city sites spread across the country for commercial use and a Rail Land Development Authority has been constituted for the purpose, he said.

So far 13 sites have been entrusted to the Authority for development. These cities are Gwalior, Nirala Nagar, Belgharia, Bidhan Nagar, Halishahr, Balighat, Kanchrapara, Gaya, Lucknow, Delhi, Bangalore and Visakhapatnam, said Mr Velu.

Besides, six sites in Mumbai were under study of Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation for commercial development, he said.

UNI