Bengaluru: Have you ever wondered what happens to the rail coaches after they have completed their ‘journey’, running nonstop on the tracks and transporting millions of passengers to their destinations for years? After completing the codal life of 20 years, the old passenger coaches are discarded by the railways as scrap. However, Southern Railways has been earning good income by reusing the old coaches. India’s first rail restaurants designed using old AC coaches were opened at the KSR Bengaluru and Bayyapanahalli SMVT terminals, almost two months ago. The coaches were given a facelift to turn them into air-conditioned restaurants that can accommodate up to 40 guests.
Besides, snack bars have been arranged outside the restaurant compartments. Moreover, these restaurants have the permission to serve food 24/7. Their menu consists of delicious North Indian and South Indian vegetarian dishes. The coaches including the land where they are placed have been leased out to a private party for five years. The restaurant at the KSR station was handed over for Rs 87 lakh while the one in SMVT was given for Rs 33 lakh. “The coach restaurant offers a unique experience for the passengers who are used to having food in the crowded train coaches. Such restaurants need to be opened at more stations,” says Jismon, a passenger.
