Popularity of economy meals rising: IRCTC

Sale of 'Janata Khana' or economic meals served at railway stations and in trains is set to touch one lakh meals per day in 2009.     

"There is a huge demand for economic meals or 'Janata Khana' from travellers in the lowest segment. We plan to sell one lakh meals daily from the current 30,000 meals per day in the coming months," Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Managing Director Rakesh Kumar Tandon said. At Rs 10 a meal 'Janata Khana' with seven puris and one sabji is quite a hit with passengers.     

However, maintaining quality at a low rate amidst rising inflation is a big challenge for the Corporation, Tandon said.     

"Catering business in Indian Railways is worth Rs 600 crore and the enterprise has to ensure delivery of safe and quality food. In the absence of good infrastructure and packaging, the task is certainly not easy," Tandon said.

"It is difficult to maintain quality as railway kitchens do not have cold storage facility. Packed food comes from base kitchens located 10-15 km away and are prepared five hours before being served," he added.

Stressing on food standards, Food Processing Industries Ministry Secretary Ashok Sinha said food industry should take quality norms seriously to sustain its growth and boost exports.     

He also noted that the scheme to improve quality of food on streets will be implemented soon.