Indian Railways likely to replace pantry cars of 300 trains with AC coaches; here is why

In what can be a major step from the Indian Railways, it is planning to convert pantry cars into AC 3 coaches. If reports are to be believed, the Indian Railways can convert pantry cars of as many as 300 trains into AC three coaches. This is being done as the Indian Railways has stopped serving food in trains due to coronavirus outbreak. So, the national transporter wants to ensure that there is no wastage of resources.  

Pantry car is a special coach in the train which is used to prepare and serve food to the passengers. The system of pantry car service was stopped after the railway resumed operation of special trains amid the coronavirus pandemic due to health concerns. To replace the pantry system, Railway is preparing IRCTC based kitchens for catering in every major station, through which food will be made available in these trains. 

In the new kitchen system, passengers will be given the option to order food online. The new step being taken by railways will be a source of generating more income and extending the catering facility. 

Indian Railways Reaction

The Indian Railways has clarified that no decision has been taken by the Railway Board regarding doing away with Pantry cars. In a statement to Zee Business, it said that all these decisions are under constant review to as per the evolving Covid 19 situation.

"Pantry services were suspended during Corona times to ensure Virus doesn't spread due to intrain pantries and food serving etc. We are working to give more choices to people, whether at stations or in train,” the statement read. 

More trains for festival 

Meanwhile, the Railways has given approval to run 392 ‘Festival special’ between October 20 and November 30 to cater to the big festive season rush. “To clear the festive rush, the ministry of railways has approved 196 pairs (392 trains) of “Festival Special” services over Indian Railways to be operated from 20th October 2020 and 30th November 2020. The fare for these Festival Special services shall be that applicable for special trains. Zonal Railways will notify their schedule well in advance,” the ministry said on Tuesday.