E-catering service restored in trains, service will be available only at ‘selected stations’
Indian Railways has restored the e-catering service in trains. However, in view of the Covid crisis, this service will be started only at select stations. In stations where e-catering service will be provided, all health-related rules of the central and related state governments will be followed.
Lockdown was imposed across the country last year to prevent the spread of corona infection. During this time trains were also stopped. Later, slowly trains started running on the track but there was a ban on the facilities available inside the train. In fact, in view of the danger of corona, the Health Ministry had issued guidelines under which cooking of trains, blankets, pillow and sheet service in AC coaches were stopped. But now the railway has started the e-catering service in trains. However, in view of the Covid crisis, this service will be started only at select stations.
The stations where e-catering service will be provided will follow all the health regulations of the Central and the respective state governments. It may be noted that the IRCTC had asked the Ministry of Railways to allow the e-catering service to be started at select railway stations, which the Ministry of Railways Has accepted.
Why only a limited number of stations are allowed?
Actually, the impact of the Covid crisis is being experienced differently in different states and regions. At the same time, adherence to health and safety regulations still remains a major challenge. In such a situation, IRCTC will decide whether catering service can be started from there, due to the situation under the Covid crisis at major railway stations. While doing this, the availability of staff etc. along with local regulations will also have to be considered.
Booking can also be booked with online ticket booking
Significantly, after the lockdown, special trains were started in May, but the e-catering service was still suspended. Although the sale of packaged food was allowed at the stations, this is the first time in the Covid crisis when passengers will be able to book food on their journey along with booking tickets.
