Latest news with #IndianRailwaysCateringandTourismCorporation
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
IRCTC received 6,645 complaints related to food quality in 2024-25: Railway Minister
Advt Advt In 2024-25, 6,645 complaints related to poor quality of food were reported by passengers, out of which in 1,341 cases fines were imposed on the food suppliers, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on the total, in 2,995 cases warnings were issued, in 1,547 cases suitable advisories were given and other measures were taken in the remaining 762 cases, Vaishnaw said in the MP John Brittas raised the issues of food quality in trains and transparency in the award of contracts to asked to provide details regarding instances of seizure of unhygienic food items from the railway caterers as well as complaints filed by passengers regarding the quality and safety of food served on trains in the last five years, the Railway Minister presented the data in a tabular said, "Prompt and appropriate punitive action, including imposition of fines, disciplinary action, counselling, warning etc., is taken in case any instance of adulterated/unhygienic food or passenger complaint is reported."According to the data, in 2023-24, 2022-23, and 2021-22, the number of complaints received from passengers was 7,026, 4,421, and 1,082, asked "whether Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) awarded contracts across multiple railway routes, including Vande Bharat and other long-distance services, to a corporate group using multiple affiliate entities."In his reply, the Union minister said that the IRCTC regularly floats tenders to select service providers for the provision of onboard catering services in trains, including Vande Bharat and other long-distance trains."These tenders are awarded through a transparent process to the highest bidders as per the terms and conditions stipulated in the tender documents. The details of Letters of Award (LOA), issued to multiple service providers, are published on the website of IRCTC. At present, contracts of clusters of trains have been awarded by IRCTC to 20 entities," Vaishnaw provided various measures taken to maintain food quality, such as the supply of meals from designated Base Kitchens, commissioning of modern Base Kitchens at identified locations, Installation of CCTV Cameras in Base Kitchens, shortlisting and use of popular and branded raw materials, deployment of Food Safety Supervisors at Base Kitchens to monitor food safety and hygienic practices among others.
NDTV
02-07-2025
- NDTV
How To Book An Entire Train Or Coach Via IRCTC: Full Guide Inside
Securing confirmed train tickets in India can be challenging, especially when traveling with large groups. While booking seats together can seem tricky, the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) offers a solution: chartering an entire train or coach. So, here is a complete guide that provides a clear, step-by-step explanation of how to book through IRCTC's Full Tariff Rate (FTR) service, ensuring your group travels together comfortably. How to Book an Entire Train or Coach (IRCTC FTR) 1. Understand FTR Options IRCTC offers three charter types: Railway Coach Charter - book one full coach (18-100 seats) Train Charter - reserve an entire train (18 to 24 coaches) Saloon Charter - luxurious private saloons with living amenities 2. Know Key Booking Windows Booking opens 6 months in advance, and closes 30 days before departure For multi-coach/trains: minimum of 18 coaches, max of 24 (must include 2 SLR/generator cars) 3. Pay the Security Deposit Rs 50,000 per coach as Registration Money cum Security Deposit (RMSD) Trains of maximum 24 Coach can be chartered. 4. Submit Your Booking Request Online via IRCTC FTR Portal ( Register your account - verify OTP - select service (coach, train, or saloon) Provide journey details: origin/destination, date, train, number/type of coaches Upload passenger list and pay deposit Offline via Station Office Approach the Chief Reservation Officer or Station Manager at the station where the train originates or has a 10 minute stop . Fill forms, provide travel and identity details for all passengers, and pay deposit + fare. Suitable for weddings, corporate trips, pilgrimages, etc.
Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
New Tatkal ticket booking rules effective from today: All you need to know
The Indian Railways has announced new rules for booking Tatkal tickets for passengers, beginning July 1, 2025. Only those users who have authenticated their account using Aadhaar will be able to book tatkal tickets from today. The new rules will be applied both to online as well as the counter ticket booking systems. 'With effect from 01.07.2025, tickets under tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users. Subsequently, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication shall also be made compulsory for the tatkal booking from 15.07.2025,' reads the circular issued by the Railway Ministry. The rules for the counter ticketing system will be implemented by July 15, 2025. The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), the technological wing of the Indian Railways, and IRCTC were asked to make necessary modification in the system accordingly under intimation to all zonal railways. Here are the 5 things you need to know about the new rules for booking Tatkal tickets: Users identified with Aadhaar can book Tatkal tickets using the IRCTC's official website or the mobile app. According to a senior official from the Ministry of Railways, 'Account holders who link their accounts with Aadhaar will get priority booking during the first 10 minutes of Tatkal ticket sales." The new rules for Tatkal reservations via online ticket booking system will come into effect from July 1, 2025. Users can book their tickets through the website of Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) or its mobile app. Starting 15th July 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will become mandatory for Tatkal bookings made online as well as through Passenger Reservation Systems (PRS) counters and authorised agents. The proposal for the e-Aadhaar authentication system is part of the campaign against the use of automated tools to book tickets online. The new rules will strengthen the Tatkal ticketing process and combat fraud by mandating e-Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal reservations. So far, the railways have deactivated and barred over 24 million users in the last six months, and around 2 million accounts have been marked as suspicious and are being investigated, according to a senior ministry official. Under the new rules, authorised IRCTC agents are not allowed to book within the first 30 minutes of opening of booking for AC as well as non-AC travel classes. It means the agents will not be allowed to book tatkal tickets from 10 am to 10.30 am for air-conditioned classes and from 11 am to 11.30 am for non-air conditioned classes. 🔴 The railway board has proposed preparing the reservation chart eight hours before the departure of the train, which would reduce uncertainties for passengers with waitlist tickets, according to a press release by the Ministry of Railways. Currently, the reservation chart is prepared four hours before departure. 🔴 The new upgraded PRS will allow over 1.5 lakh ticket bookings per minute, and the ticket enquiry capacity will jump ten times, that is, from 4 lakh to over 40 lakh enquiry will be possible in a minute's time, the release highlighted. Within this, users will be able to submit their choice of seat and see the fare calendar. It also has integrated facilities for Divyangjan, students, patients, etc.
NDTV
28-06-2025
- NDTV
"7 Pooris, Bhaji For Rs 15": Video Shows Indian Railways' Economy Meal, Internet Reacts
The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation collaborated last year with Indian Railways to offer hygienic meals and snacks at affordable prices to serve passengers, particularly those in General Class Coaches. Priced at Rs 15, the economy meals provide a basic yet fulfilling option for budget-conscious travellers. Now, a video showing what's inside the Rs 15 meal is going viral on social media, garnering mixed reactions from viewers. Shared on X, the video shows the 'Janata Khana' comprising seven pooris and bhaji, along with pickle. The meal is available for Rs 15. The aim behind this initiative is to give passengers a cheap and filling food option during travel. In addition, there is also a Rs 20 version of the same meal, which comes with a 300ml bottle of water. Watch the video below: 🚨 Janata Khana: Indian Railways' Affordable Meal Scheme for Just ₹15. 🚆🇮🇳 — Gems (@gemsofbabus_) June 26, 2025 Since being shared, the video has accumulated more than 800,000 views. Several social media users responded positively to the initiative, appreciating the convenience and quality of the meals. "Looks good honestly in this price, should be available on every railway station," wrote one user. "Good for people who run short on time, have less money available or cannot afford food otherwise," said another. "A full meal for just Rs 15 - now that's what public service should look like! Janata Khana is a small price with a big impact, ensuring no one goes hungry on the move. Kudos to Indian Railways for putting dignity on a plate," commented a third user. "Good initiative! We need to understand that trains are meant for travel, they are not a 5 star culinary restaurants on wheels. If you're that much concerned about food, bring it from your own home," said another. "This is very good - I have eaten janata meal before it is tasty and fills your stomach fully. Should be available on all routes though," one user shared. "I think it's pretty decent for the price. Anything more than that , it would actually need to be subsidized. You wouldn't get this much for 15 bucks at even the worst roadside stall," wrote another. However, some users also criticised the meal, saying that the food looks average and of poor quality. "There is no problem with the quantity of food in Indian Railways; the real problem is with the quality," said one user. "don't know why even give this thing. how is this shit healthy by any means, let alone hygenic and fresh," commented another.
Mint
28-06-2025
- Mint
‘ ₹15 for a train meal?' Internet reacts to Indian Railways' ‘budget thali'
A budget meal offered by Indian Railways for just ₹ 15 is going viral on social media, drawing both praise and criticism. The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), in collaboration with Indian Railways, introduced the affordable 'Janata Khana' last year to cater especially to passengers travelling in general class coaches. The initiative aims to provide hygienic and filling meals at low cost. The ₹ 15 meal includes seven pooris served with bhaji and a small portion of pickle. For ₹ 20, passengers also receive a 300ml bottle of water along with the same meal. A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) shows the meal being served, and has garnered over 800,000 views so far. Many social media users appreciated the move, calling it a much-needed step to support budget travellers. "Looks good honestly in this price, should be available on every railway station," one user commented. Another wrote, 'Good for people who run short on time, have less money available or cannot afford food otherwise.' "A full meal for just ₹ 15 – now that's what public service should look like! Janata Khana is a small price with a big impact, ensuring no one goes hungry on the move. Kudos to Indian Railways for putting dignity on a plate," said another user. One person added, "Good initiative! We need to understand that trains are meant for travel, they are not a 5 star culinary restaurants on wheels. If you're that much concerned about food, bring it from your own home." Some who had tried the meal praised it for taste and quantity. "This is very good – I have eaten janata meal before, it is tasty and fills your stomach fully. Should be available on all routes though," a user noted. Others called it a decent offer for the price. "I think it's pretty decent for the price. Anything more than that, it would actually need to be subsidised. You wouldn't get this much for 15 bucks at even the worst roadside stall." Another wrote: 'Budget thali.' However, not everyone was pleased. Some raised concerns over the quality and hygiene of the food. "There is no problem with the quantity of food in Indian Railways; the real problem is with the quality," said one user. Another commented, "don't know why even give this thing. how is this shit healthy by any means, let alone hygenic and fresh."
