Indian Railways Catering

the catering service provided by the pantry car is poorest of all. practically a torture to the passengers who opt for the meals and tiffins provided by the railway. one cannot dream of such quality food in these high-tech days. a cook has to try hard enough to cook such horrible food.

1. Shtabdi Express from Delhi-Hardiwar-Delhi, Menu is same old , repeated since last more than 10 years. The morning news paper is some times not given to all. The beak fast is just taste less and no effort made to improve it. The evening tea is same Samosa/ Kachori (slightly better) and ladoo (why). The curd is not properly served. Ice cream is served only after about 45 mins. of serving dinner, when most of the persons will refuse.

Vendors charge higher price than printed giving excuse that we have to pay additional money for our stalls and for the water they say "We have to keep bottles cool so we have to bring ice that costs us."

The food is terrible. Half cooked and the quality of raw materials used is very bad. Secondly served in disposable plates and cups which litter the entire train after every meal served. The tiny dustbins provided under the washbasin can't hold waste even from two compartments let alone the entire bogey. We need better waste collection after the meals are served. Try and reduce the amount of disposable waste generated. Also the plastics used need to be food grade instead of common grade plastic which reacts with the food.

Standard Operating Procedures are not defined for the catering staff serving on the trains. If SOP's do exist then the staff is not properly trained. Just like we have Flight Attendant training academies we can have a few Train Attendant academies.

The standard of food is horrible and is deteriorating day-by-day in spite of all promises and efforts by the catering team. There is no standard price chart and the serving staff never supplies bill, even if demanded. Have also observed passengers bribing the catering staff to get good portions and additional items on standard meals without any extra charge. Some passengers also pack items served against bribes paid. Serious changes are absolutely a MUST, sooner the better.