Railways catering policy under revision: Mamata

New Delhi, Feb 24 (ANI): Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that the railway catering policy in under revision.

Presenting the Railway Budget for the year 2010-2011, Banerjee said: "Since Railways has received several complaints, it is decided to provide catering departmentally in selected trains. The catering policy is under revision and will be finalized as early as possible."

She informed the House that Railways has introduced Janata Ahar, economically priced food, in many stations.

Banerjee also assured the members that her ministry is going for a special drive for improving passenger amenities and cleanliness.

"To provide basic facility of clean drinking water, six new bottling plants at Ambala, Amethi, Mal, Nasik, Farakka and Trivandrum through the public-private partnership (PPP) route will be started with the mandate that bottled fresh water will be provided at stations at much cheaper rates," she said.

Banerjee said a major thrust is being given to the development of passenger amenities. Financial powers of field officers have been increased for quick execution of works.

She said Railways is projected to spend a record of Rs.1,302 crore in 2010-11 for passenger amenities. (ANI)