IRCTC Declares Catering Essential; Regular Meals Resume On Long-Distance Trains Amid LPG Crisis

Due to a nationwide shortage of LPG cylinders, there were plans to temporarily halt catering operations on trains. There were also proposals to offer refunds to passengers who had pre-booked meals. However, that will no longer be required. According to the latest update, IRCTC has now declared catering services on long-distance trains an essential category. Here’s all you need to know about it.

IRCTC Makes Catering Essential On Long-Distance Trains

According to Mid-day, IRCTC has classified catering on long-distance trains as an essential service. Amid widespread speculation over the LPG shortage, cooking resumed from Thursday night, with regular catering services restarting on trains.

According to the report, the Railway Board wrote to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas requesting uninterrupted LPG supply for railway kitchens. Following this, the ministry directed oil marketing companies such as Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum, and Indian Oil Corporation, along with state authorities, to ensure the required supply of 19-kg LPG cylinders to railway kitchens.

Mid-day reported that around 171 gas cylinders were allotted for trains in Mumbai to resume cooking as usual.

Also Read: Delhi LPG Shortage: Schools, PGs, Gurdwaras & Community Kitchens To Limit Food Menus

Here’s All You Need To Know About This

This comes after there were many reports suggesting that IRCTC has suspended cooked meal services on trains for passengers. While talking to ETV Bharat, IRCTC Public Relations Officer VK Bhati shared that these were all rumours and no such decision was taken by the train authorities.

The report further stated that many of IRCTC’s base kitchens across the country receive gas through pipeline connections. In addition, the corporation has agreements with gas suppliers to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply. As a result, meal preparation at these kitchens continues smoothly and supplies remain stable.

Also Read: How To Book An LPG Cylinder Via Call, SMS Or WhatsApp?

Are you facing any issues due to gas cylinder shortage? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Balaji Srinivasan & Wikimedia Commons (representative image)