More catering units for Chennai’s Railway stations

A good news for every commuter using smaller suburban stations like Annanur, Perambur carriage works, Pattaravakkam and Korrukupet. If you do not have time for meals at home, worry no more, for in another few months the Chennai division of Southern Railway is in the process of floating tenders to identify contractors for 80 catering units across the suburban stations as reported by TOI. It is also being said that stations like Tiruvallikeni, Chepauk and Tirumailai are also being covered.Bigger stations like Chengalpet, Chennai beach, Nungambakkam and Chennai central will also be getting extra catering units.

“In the 1990s, catering units were available at all stations and it was helpful for commuters during peak hours as some would miss their meals at home. But for some reason, the units were closed. So, this is a good move,” said K Baskar to TOI, a member of the divisional rail users consultative committee.

It is expected that there will be at least 100 catering units installed overall by the end of this year.

This plan was initiated owing to the feedback from the commuters who felt the need for stalls that sell coffee, tea and snacks. But it seems like the new stalls might be providing more than that. The proposed food stalls will be selling snacks and vegetarian food apart from the hot beverages and that too at reasonable prices.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation(IRCTC) is also about to set up food plazas at two MRTS stations – Thiruvanmiyur and Velachery. Thiruvanmiyur’s food plaza will be up at the elevated platform, while Velachery will have it at the entrance to platform one.

This move will definitely benefit a lot of daily commuters as well as tourists and vacation planners as they can stop for a quick bite before boarding their trains.