Railways installs 1st automatic food vending machine on a train
What's the story
For the first time ever, the Indian Railways has installed an automatic food vending machine on-board a running train. The vending machine, which can be operated with the help of a tablet, has been installed in the Coimbatore-Bengaluru UDAY Express. Now, you no longer need to carry your munching worries along with your luggage while travelling between these two cities. Read on for details.
Details
Everything you need to know about this food vending machine
You can find the food vending machine installed on the double-decker UDAY Express in the mini-pantry-cum-dining areas of its coaches. This automatic machine is loaded with various snacks including biscuits, packaged foods, chips, canned juices, along with many cold and hot beverages- tea/coffee aerated drinks, canned juices etc. You can place an order using the tablet linked to it, after making the cash payment.
Twitter Post
Here's a demo on how to use this vending machine
First ever food vending machine in running train installed in- Coimbatore - Bengaluru UDAY Express over Southern Railway pic.twitter.com/1C2ezhxNiT
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 9, 2018
Initiatives
Other recent IRCTC initiatives to enhance passengers' food experiences
To promote eco-friendly behavior, IRCTC recently announced that food on premium trains will be served in biodegradable containers. The Railways has also introduced Point-of-Sale (PoS) machines in trains and has mandated the printing of Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on all food items to prevent passengers from being overcharged by vendors. IRCTC has also started using artificial intelligence to monitor its kitchens with high-tech cameras.
IRCTC Website
Other steps that IRCTC has taken to enhance users' experience
Further, in a bid to enhance its users' experience, the IRCTC has also revamped its ticketing website. Now users can inquire or search for trains, besides checking the availability of seats without logging onto the website. The website also lets users filter the search results on the basis of destination, departure/arrival time wise as well as on the basis of different quotas.