Indian Railways: Introduces Cluster Kitchens to Transform Onboard Food Experience
Indian Railways: is preparing for a major shift in the way food is served to passengers traveling on trains across the country. The traditional system of base kitchens and onboard pantry cars is being phased out, making way for a new model based on cluster kitchens and cloud-based food services. This move aims to give passengers access to fresher meals, more variety, and greater convenience while reducing long-standing issues related to food quality and accountability.
The End of the Traditional Base Kitchen Model
Under the existing catering system, food services on trains have been managed through base kitchens operated under licenses issued to private contractors. Raw materials were procured from the market, and meals were prepared in these kitchens before being loaded onto trains or finished in pantry cars. Over time, this structure led to frequent complaints from passengers about taste, hygiene, and consistency.
To address these concerns, Indian Railways has decided to shut down base kitchens entirely. In their place, modern cluster kitchens will be set up at strategic locations. These kitchens will prepare meals in bulk using standardized processes and better infrastructure, aiming to deliver improved food quality across multiple trains and stations.
What Are Cluster Kitchens and How Do They Work?
Cluster kitchens are centralized food preparation units designed to serve a large geographical area or a group of railway stations. Instead of relying on a single base kitchen tied to one train or route, these kitchens can supply food to several trains efficiently. Meal preparation will take place in dedicated facilities, with food service providers managing operations under the supervision of railway authorities to ensure hygiene and safety standards are followed.
This change also impacts the onboard pantry cars. Earlier, pantry cars were responsible for cooking hot meals during the journey itself. With the introduction of cluster kitchens, freshly prepared meals will be supplied directly from these facilities, reducing the need for extensive cooking on moving trains.
How Passengers Can Order Food on Trains
One of the biggest advantages of the new system is the ease of ordering food. Passengers will be able to order meals digitally, making the process faster and more transparent.
Ordering Through Official Railway Platforms
Passengers can use the Rail One mobile application to browse menus, select meals, and place orders based on their journey details. This app integrates food ordering with ticket and train information, ensuring timely delivery at designated stations.
Using Third-Party Food Delivery Apps
In addition to official platforms, passengers can also order meals through popular third-party food delivery applications such as Zomato. This allows travelers to choose from a wider range of restaurants and cuisines, bringing the convenience of city-style food delivery to train journeys.
Why Indian Railways Is Making This Change
The primary objective behind introducing cluster kitchens and cloud-based food services is to improve overall food quality and passenger satisfaction. Railway officials have acknowledged that the earlier system involved multiple stages, from procurement to cooking and serving, often handled by different parties. This fragmentation made it difficult to fix responsibility when complaints arose.
By unifying food preparation in cluster kitchens, accountability becomes clearer. If issues related to taste, hygiene, or delays occur, they can be traced back more easily, reducing the blame-shifting that frustrated passengers in the past.
Benefits for Passengers
For passengers, this new approach offers several advantages. They gain access to a wider variety of meals, including food from well-known brands and local favorites. Digital ordering reduces dependency on onboard catering staff and allows travelers to plan meals in advance. Improved monitoring and standardized preparation methods are also expected to enhance hygiene and consistency.
A Step Toward Modern Railway Services
The move toward cluster kitchens and cloud-based food ordering reflects Indian Railways’ broader effort to modernize passenger services. By leveraging technology and private-sector efficiency, the railways aim to provide a dining experience that matches evolving passenger expectations. While the transition may take time, it marks a significant step toward more reliable, transparent, and passenger-friendly food services on trains.