New catering policy soon, says Railway Minister

NEW DELHI: Concerned over complaints about quality of food being served on trains, Railways will in the next few days announce a new catering policy, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said today.

Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, she said about 1,400 complaints have been received.

"A new catering policy is under review (and) within a few days we will announce it," she said.

Out of 17,000 trains, 295 like Shatabdi, Rajdhani and Duranto Express have pantry cars.

She said Janta Ahar Centres and Janta Meal have already been introduced to provide eatables at affordable price to passengers at railway stations.

Doctor with paramedic staff has been provided in all Duronto trains as a pilot project, she said. "Extension of the services would be considered on the outcome of the pilot project."

Moreover, 10 per cent concession in train fare is given to doctors travelling as passengers for rendering their services in need of urgent medical assistance.