New Delhi: There is bad news for passengers travelling on premium trains. IRCTC can make food costlier in these trains. These include other premium trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi or Duranto, which can cost up to Rs 40. The IRCTC has sought approval to this effect by sending a proposal to the Railway Board. Board officials say that the idea is to improve catering facilities in premium trains. The proposal of IRCTC has not been approved at present.

Railway Ministry officials feel that passengers have been complaining about the poor quality of food. In the recent past, the quantity of food was reduced in order to improve the quality. The CAG report also raised questions on serving food which was poor by standards. Officials say, food prices have not gone up for the last six years but inflation has gone up. It is now necessary to increase the price to ensure good quality.

Though the quantity of food has been reduced in the past to maintain quality, it will improve if the price is increased. The price of food in the Rajdhani and shatabdi is now around Rs 112 and there are different menus for 5 days. They are replaced and served with food. These trains get wedge cutlets, omelets, bread slices and tea for breakfast. Lunch and dinner contain two parathas or loaves, lentils, curds, pickles, rice and non-veg. Officials believe that if the IRCTC proposal is approved by the Board, the price will exceed Rs 150. Railways often face criticism from passengers for eating poor quality.

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