Question : QUALITY AND COST OF FOOD ITEMS

(a) whether there is any policy and mechanism for quality control and fixation of price of food and beverages provided to the rail passengers;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Railways have increased the fare to adjust the cost of catering in Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains;

(d) if so, the details in this regard;

(e) the manner in which the rise in the cost of catering in the said trains due to price rise during the last three years was adjusted;

(f) whether fare was increased for the said purpose; and (g) if so, the details thereof and the details of any proposal under consideration relating to provide packaged drinking water/food to the passengers of general class at concessional rate?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a) and (b): Yes, Madam. The tariff and menu for standard meals, Breakfast, Tea/Coffee for sale on Mail/Express trains and Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Duronto Express trains are fixed by Ministry of Railways, duly taking into consideration various factors such as cost of raw material, fuel, staff cost etc, which are quite reasonable and affordable.

(c): No, Madam.

(d): Does not arise.

(e): There is already an in built element in the catering charges which addresses the issue of escalation of price rise of commodities in Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express trains.

(f): No, Madam.

(g): Does not arise. There is no such specific proposal to provide Packaged Drinking Water(PDW) /Food to passenger of general class. However, affordable Janta meals are available on static & mobile units.