Indian Railways May Suspend Catering Services Due to Gas Shortage

• Indian Railways may suspend catering services due to gas shortage.
• Gas shortage is affecting food preparation for railway catering services.
• Indian Railways is planning alternatives to maintain passenger food supply.

Indian Railways is reviewing a major operational decision that could affect millions of train passengers across the country. Officials are considering temporarily suspending catering services on trains due to the ongoing gas shortage that is affecting food preparation in railway kitchens.

The shortage of cooking gas has emerged as a nationwide concern following disruptions in supply linked to geopolitical tensions in Gulf regions. Hotels restaurants and food service providers across several cities are already facing difficulties and the railway catering system is also feeling the impact.

Currently fresh meals served to passengers on trains are prepared in IRCTC base kitchens before being supplied to pantry cars and onboard catering units. Every day the railway catering network prepares and distributes nearly seventeen lakh meals to passengers traveling across India.

Officials say that if LPG availability continues to remain uncertain the railway administration may have to temporarily suspend catering services on trains. The proposal is currently under review and the Railway Board is expected to take a final decision soon.

Passengers who have already booked meals along with their train tickets through the IRCTC website will receive refunds if catering services are suspended. Railway authorities have assured that passengers will not face financial loss if the service interruption occurs.

The gas shortage is not only affecting railway services but is also creating difficulties for food businesses around the world. Several hotels and restaurants in different cities have already reduced their operations or temporarily closed kitchens due to fuel supply disruptions.

Meanwhile IRCTC has issued important instructions to railway station catering units and food plazas to manage the situation effectively. Stations have been advised to use alternative cooking methods such as microwave ovens and induction stoves wherever possible.

Catering operators at railway stations have also been instructed to stock ready to eat food items so that passengers can still access meals and refreshments during their journeys. These measures aim to minimize inconvenience for travelers even if onboard catering services are affected.

IRCTC has also directed food outlets including Jan Ahaar counters at railway stations to continue regular operations and ensure that food and beverages remain available to passengers during this challenging period.

Also read: Hyderabad Hotels Stop Dosa, Puri, Vada as Gas Shortage Hits Food Services