Jana Ahar canteens to come up on railways

The main problem faced by railway passengers travelling long distances is food. Normally they are forced to eat tasteless and junk food in the trains and at stations. Added to these is the lack of hygiene at railway establishments. Against this background, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation's assurance that all this is to change for the better is welcome. The IRCTC is going to make available `Jana Ahar' food packets for less than Rs.20 each at all major railway stations and platforms. Jana Ahar will be available in AC canteens. These will have Janata Meals, Economy Meals along with northern and southern cuisine items. The self-service canteens are expected to seat 8 to 12 customers at these eateries. This apart, the canteens will stock choice icecreams, soft drinks and adequate mineral water. Removing all doubts regarding hygiene, the kitchen and canteen will have a glass partition so the railway users can see for themselves the level of hygienic standards. Billing will be computerized. The Jana Ahar canteens are already working in some select stations. Following feedback, these canteens will be extended all over the country.