Upcoming Price Increases for Food on Central Railway Services

Food Price Hike on Central Railway

Starting next month, travelers on the railway will face higher costs, not from ticket fares but from increased food prices during their journeys. This price surge is attributed to escalating oil and gas prices in the country, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has led to a crude oil crisis. An official notice released on May 25 by the Chief Commercial Manager's Office (Claims & Catering) indicates that food and beverage prices at minor static catering units across Central Railway stations will rise beginning June 1.

The Central Railway has announced that the updated menu and pricing structure will be implemented across its catering units, which include divisions in Mumbai, Bhusaval, Nagpur, Solapur, and Pune. Under the new pricing, items such as Vada Pav will increase from Rs 13 to Rs 20, Samosa from Rs 12 to Rs 20, and Ragda Pav from Rs 20 to Rs 25. Reports suggest that the authorities are also considering adjustments to portion sizes and introducing new items like slush drinks, cream donuts, soup, dosa, and noodles for passengers.

Licensees are instructed to display the new menu and pricing clearly in both languages at their catering units. The circular emphasizes that the price adjustments should lead to an enhancement in food quality. Divisions are expected to evaluate sales six months after the new pricing is implemented, with a review of license fees to follow.

The revised prices will apply to a-la-carte items at minor catering units on Central Railway stations, while standard menu items governed by existing Railway Board guidelines will remain at their current prices.

India’s hotel and hospitality industry is also feeling the impact of rising fuel costs, particularly aviation turbine fuel (ATF), alongside disruptions related to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has led to a slowdown in hotel bookings in various regions. In an exclusive interview, K.B. Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India (HAI), noted that geopolitical tensions are affecting nearly every sector. He warned that any rise in travel expenses due to fuel price increases could undermine consumer confidence and diminish tourism demand.