Railways start optional catering scheme in two trains

Mumbai, Jun 9: The Indian Railways has started a scheme of optional catering in two trains on a pilot basis for 45 days beginning today, Western Railway (WR) said.

The two trains wherein the scheme is started are Mumbai Central–Nizamuddin August Kranti Rajdhani Express and Pune–Secunderabad Shatabdi Express, WR said in a statement today.

"Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had announced on June 8 to undertake the scheme of optional catering in two trains - 12953/54 Mumbai Central–Nizamuddin August Kranti Rajdhani Express and 12025/26 Pune–Secunderabad Shatabdi Express on a pilot basis for a period of 45 days beginning today," it added.

During the trial period, catering services will be included by default. However, passengers have to specifically 'opt out' from the mandatory food option, the release said. The exclusion of catering apportionment charges will reduce the fare of the ticket and a passenger will have to pay less.

"This facility is available in all tickets such as tickets from PRS counters, e-ticketing portals of IRCTC and such tickets shall be issued with reduced fare," it added.

PTI