Premium Brand Catering Outlets At Indian Railway Stations: Railways Clear Plan For McDonald’s, KFC And More
Indian Railways is preparing to change the way passengers eat at stations. Popular chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Baskin-Robbins, Bikanerwala and Haldiram’s may soon open at major railway stations across the country. The move comes after the Railway Board updated its catering policy to allow Premium Brand Catering Outlets, a category commonly seen at airports.
What The New Policy Allows
The Railway Board has issued a circular to all zones confirming that premium single-brand food outlets are now permitted. This amendment adds a fourth category to the Indian Railways Catering Policy, 2017.
Key points from the circular:
- Only single-brand outlets such as McDonald’s, KFC, and Haldiram’s will be allowed.
- Outlets may be company-owned or run by franchisees.
- All allotments will be done only through e-auction.
- No nomination-based allotment will be allowed.
- The licence period will remain five years, similar to existing stalls.
- Minimum Licence Fee and other conditions will follow current policy norms.
Existing Reservation Quotas To Remain Untouched
Railway authorities clarified that adding premium-brand outlets will not affect existing reservation quotas. These include quotas for SC, ST, OBC, freedom fighters’ families, and people displaced due to railway land acquisition.
Why Railways Is Adding Premium Brands
The decision aligns with the redevelopment of more than 1,200 railway stations across India. Major stations in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and other cities are being modernised with better commercial spaces.
Reasons driving the move:
- High passenger footfall creating demand for branded food.
- More modern station designs providing space for organised retail.
- Better passenger experience in line with global travel standards.
Assessment And Implementation
Zonal railways will:
- Assess demand at each station.
- Check availability of suitable space.
- Create special contract conditions where needed.
Sources indicated that premium outlets will add value to the 10 lakh-plus meals already being served daily by IRCTC across the railway network.
