Tea and coffee on trains have become more expensive
What's the story
According to a circular issued by the Railway Board on September 18, prices of tea and coffee served on trains have been increased. Additionally, the Railways has decided to discontinue the practice of serving tea in pots owing to low demand. The decisions came after the IRCTC reviewed meal menus and tariffs for food/beverages served on trains. Here are the details.
Revised rates
Tea and coffee will now cost Rs. 10 on trains
According to the Railway Board circular, the rates for coffee and tea (served with tea bags) have been raised to Rs. 10 from the earlier Rs. 7, with immediate effect. However, ready-made tea will be available for Rs. 5 too. Notably, there will be no change in prices for the Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains as food and beverages are part of the ticket price.
Quote
The IRCTC had issued the proposal to revise prices
"It was a proposal from IRCTC which was approved by the Railway Board. It is a minimal hike. We decided to discontinue the pot system as not many were ordering it anyway," a railway officer told IE on the condition of anonymity.
Other details
The revision came after the Railways received several complaints
The revision came after many passengers complained against being overcharged by food and beverage vendors. Earlier, caterers had suggested that all prices be in multiples of Rs. 5 to prevent overcharging. Subsequently, the railway ministry had also uploaded a rate chart on Twitter, and had asked passengers to complain if overcharged. As per contract, vendors can only charge prices specified by the IRCTC.