Overview & Primary Objective

Southern Railway is revamping platform catering across Kerala to address long-standing passenger concerns regarding food hygiene, quality, and foodborne illnesses. By partnering with established national and international food brands, the railways are providing clean, standardised dining options alongside traditional stalls.

Key Initiatives & Updates

Expanding Successful Pilots: Following positive responses to premium coffee outlets at Thrissur and Aluva stations, officials awarded new tenders for fast-food outlets—specialising in fried chicken, burgers, and wraps—at Alappuzha and Aluva.

Enforcing Strict Safety Standards: The new branded outlets follow Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines. Their standardised kitchen sanitation, raw material checks, and sealed packaging significantly lower contamination risks compared to unorganised platform vendors.

Offering Balanced Choices: Consumer advocacy groups, including the All Kerala Railway Users Association, welcomed the initiative. While recognised brands offer a dependable choice for travellers, maintaining standard platform stalls ensures accessible pricing for all commuters.

Launching a Rail Coach Restaurant: The Thiruvananthapuram division is constructing its first “Food-On-Wheels” Rail Coach Restaurant at Mattancherry Halt station on Willingdon Island. Workers are converting decommissioned train coaches into an air-conditioned dining destination for both passengers and the general public.

Source: The Times of India