Your railway journey is going to get costlier from next month, not because of the ticket prices, but due to the extra burden on the food prices that you will consume in your journey. The Price rise comes on the backdrop of rising oil and gas prices in the country due to the Iran War leading to crude oil crisis.
In an official circular dated May 25, issued by the Office of the Chief Commercial Manager (Claims & Catering), food and beverage items sold at minor static catering units across Central Railway stations are set to become more expensive from June 1.
Central Railway said the revised menu and tariff structure will come into effect from June 1 across catering units under its jurisdiction, including Mumbai, Bhusaval, Nagpur, Solapur and Pune divisions.
Under the revised prices, at the central railways, Vada pav will rise from Rs 13 to Rs 20, samosa from Rs 12 to Rs 20 and ragda pav from Rs 20 to Rs 25.
As per the reports, the authorities are also reviewing quantities and adding slush drinks, cream donuts, soup, dosa and noodles for passengers.
All the licensees may be advised to display the new menu & tariff prominently on the respective Catering units bilingually, the circular read.
“It is to be categorically imbibed upon the licensees that, the rate revision should translate into improvement of quality of food items. Divisions should undertake sales assessment from 6 months of implementation of new tariff and license fee may be reviewed accordingly,” it added.
The revised rates will apply to a-la-carte food items sold at minor catering units on Central Railway stations, while standard menu items covered under existing Railway Board guidelines will continue to be sold at prescribed tariffs.
Also Read: Fuel Price Hike: How It Will Hit Your Kitchen, Commute and Monthly Budget
India’s hotel and hospitality sector is beginning to feel the pressure of rising fuel prices, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs, and disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis, with hotel bookings slowing at several locations.
Speaking to Times Now Digital in an exclusive interview, K.B. Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India (HAI) said “Due to the geopolitical tensions, almost every sector is impacted. Any increase in travel costs due to fuel price hikes could dampen consumer confidence and affect tourism demand.”