Indian Railways' Massive Meal Delivery Network: Navigating Complaints and Contracts

Railways serves 16 lakh meals daily, navigating corruption complaints regarding base kitchen contracts. Focus on improving food quality and accountability led to tendering via clusters. Despite challenges, 717 kitchens commissioned and most legal challenges resolved. Continuous feedback process ensures the system's ongoing refinement.

The Indian Railways serve approximately 16 lakh meals daily, with a continuous pursuit of maintaining seamless and uninterrupted services, as stated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In response to parliamentary inquiries, issues of corruption in the awarding of base kitchen contracts were addressed.

The Railway Ministry is enforcing higher standards for food quality and hygiene in trains by linking meals to designated base kitchens. This initiative aims to enhance logistics, service infrastructure, and trained manpower deployment, with plans to award contracts for clusters of trains rather than individuals.

The IRCTC has executed the tendering of these clusters, awarding 168 contracts following the receipt of 653 bids. Legal challenges were largely overcome, with a majority of cases resolved in favor of the Railways. The institution welcomes ongoing feedback and addresses concerns to ensure constant improvement.

(With inputs from agencies.)