Price list mandatory at railway stations

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, June 12

In a major relief to passengers, the railway authorities, in a fresh order, have made it mandatory that all vendors who sell food items at railway stations will have to put up the rate list on their stalls and kiosks. The railway officials have been getting complaints of overcharging of eatables, beverages and other food articles from many vendors across the country’s railway stations.

Although the prices of the food articles have not been increased or reduced, the Railways headquarters has issued a list of rates for the information of the passengers. The Railway Department has also told officials of the Commercial Department to strictly follow these orders.

Hailing these orders, many passengers said, until now, owners of shops and kiosks were selling their articles at 20 to 30 per cent higher rates than the maximum retail price (MRP). “Besides, food articles were sold in the open and many of these were stale and substandard, which was an open invitation to diseases in summer. The new regulation was undoubtedly a relief to the passengers, who just need to be a little watchful,” said Amit, a daily commuter to Amritsar.

Jaspal Singh, another passenger, said, “A mineral water bottle, which is available in the market at Rs 20, is being sold at Rs 25. The MRP of a 300 ml cold drink is Rs 15, but it is being sold here at Rs 20. Similarly, the MRP of a 750 ml cold drink is Rs 35, but it is being sold here for Rs 40-45. Snacks are also sold at more than their MRP by shop owners. A packed sandwich, which costs Rs 20 outside, is being sold at Rs 25 at the railway station.”

New rates of meals served

The meal that is prepared in the restaurant at railway stations will be served for Rs 15, while in trains it will be available for Rs 20. Bread-butter, cutlet, idli, vada, upma, poha etc. are priced at Rs 25 at stations and in trains it will be available at Rs 30. Omelette-bread will be sold at Rs 30 in stations and Rs 35 in trains. The price at the stations of the vegetarian meal is 45, while in trains it will be priced at Rs 50. Similarly, the price of non-vegetarian plate has been fixed for Rs 50 at railway station and Rs 55 for trains. The cost of 1 litre and 500 ml sealed water bottles is fixed for Rs 15 and 10, respectively.