The idea of having a meal out is a pleasant one and what if we try a new place other than the conventional style of eateries? No doubt, it becomes more exciting. Here is the good news! You don’t need to bother about finding a different kind of place Recently, the Indian Railways has come up with a new idea of serving the passengers by rail coach restaurants which will not only serve the general public but also bring an additional source of revenue.

Currently, the idea seems a good one as it will attract the public for its unique infrastructure. The West Central Railways has released five-year contracts under the non-fare revenue (NFR) policy. The national transporter has finalized contracts in a bid to establish Rail Coach Restaurants at railway stations. The contracts will be valid for five years.

Under this initiative, the old coaches will be refurbished and revived and will be given a new restaurant-like structure with the provision of facilities like that of a real restaurant. It will be a good use of old coaches that have not been used for transport facilities.

The restaurant will be established in the circulating section of Bihar, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Madan Mahal, Rewa, Katni Murwara, and Satna. These stations come under the Bhopal and Jabalpur divisions.

It has been estimated that once the restaurants are fully ready, they would generate additional income of roughly around Rs 4.7 crores as non-fare revenue.

The idea of a rail coach station is not a new one, but earlier it has been initiated in the city of Asansol, West Bengal. It has been named ‘restaurant on Wheels’, operates in the circulating area of Asansol Railway station.

It was inaugurated by Asansol MP Babul Supriyo on 26^th February 2020. When Restaurant on Wheels was inaugurated, it had the target of 50 lakhs non-fare revenue for the total period of five years. Two decrepit MEMU coaches were turned into a restaurant-style structure.

For this project, 200 square feet area has been provided for each location as per West Central Railways. After the refurbishment of train coaches and within the five-year contract, the offeree can open their restaurants in these coaches but Indian Railway will remain the owner of these coaches.

Previously, the railway staff of East Central Railway Zone complaint about no provision of any cafeteria near Danapur Coaching Depot, so East Central Railway (ECR) provided a solution. They refurbished an unused coach into a cafeteria near the coaching depot in Patna.

It has the provision of 40 people sitting inside and has snacks/meals. These coaches have been beautified and decorated to look attractive. The initiative taken by the Indian Railways will bring a massive change in services as not only passengers but also the general public will get benefitted.

It will be a unique experience for people and the railway employees as they will have some relaxed moments sitting in a restaurant and having snacks. In terms of monetary gains, this plan will help Indian Railways to create additional revenue.