Indian Railways sets out to improve food service

The Hindustan Times reported last week that the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corp. managing director Dr. P.K. Goel has set a goal to match food service standards “of developed countries” throughout the massive rail line’s system.

The company, set up as an independent entity from the railroad, is hiring 100 quality inspectors from major hotels. A committee from the country’s Hotel Management Institute in Pusa and Delhi will oversee the food preparations. Modernization is planned for kitchens in Delhi, Mumbai and Horarah. “We hope to make them as good as the flight kitchen managed by the leading airlines.” Said Goel.

The more than 5,000 food stalls will be redesigned and will be cleaned in a makeover that will be phased in throughout the system.

The company has tendered vendors for 135 of the Indian Railways’ 468 trains. By the next financial year, Goel predicted, “all 468 trains of Indian Railways will be provided with comprehensive onboard services of good quality.”