For many regular train travellers, the affordability of food items has long been a concern. In fact, a significant number of passengers find it challenging to even afford a cup of coffee or a basic lunch on a daily basis. Recognizing this struggle, the Indian Railways has taken a significant step by introducing economy meals priced as low as Rs 20.

Considering that the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) charges Rs 10 for a cup of tea, the availability of a snack meal at Rs 20 presents a great deal.

These budget-friendly meals, designed to benefit ordinary passengers travelling in unreserved compartments, will be initially rolled out in selected railway stations. Presently, 150 counters offering these economical meals have been established across 100 stations nationwide. Positioned strategically in areas where unreserved coaches stop, these counters are poised to expand to more stations in the future. Notably, along the south-central railway route, these counters have been inaugurated at several key locations, including Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Renigunta, Guntakal, Tirupati, Rajahmundry, Vikarabad, Pakala, Dhone, Nandyala, Purna, and Aurangabad.

Dubbed as the Janata Khana or Economy Meal, priced at Rs 20, it includes seven poories (175 gm), potato curry (150 gm), and pickles (15gm). Additionally, IRCTC offers another economy meal option priced at Rs 50, featuring a diverse array of dishes such as thairu saadam, sambar rice, lemon rice, rajma, chole chaaval, kichdi, pongal, kulcha, chole batura, paav baaji, and masala dosa.

"We have taken into account the diverse preferences of passengers while curating the menu for our economy meals. Given that the highest number of passengers travel by trains during the summer months, we aim to provide them with high-quality food options at affordable rates," stated an IRCTC official.

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