A New Platform Menu: Railways To Introduce Branded Food Outlets Across India

For decades, stepping onto an Indian railway platform meant a familiar medley of sights and smells—cutting chai, samosas crisp from the kadhai, carts stacked with biscuits and bananas. Soon, the picture might look a little different. Indian Railways is now preparing for one of its most noticeable upgrades yet: the arrival of big-ticket food chains at stations across the country. If all goes as planned, travellers may soon be able to grab a McFlurry before boarding the Rajdhani or pick up a quick KFC snack while waiting for their local express.

The Railway Board has cleared the decks for “Premium Brand Catering Outlets,” carving out a new space in its catering policy that could see stations hosting names like McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Baskin Robbins, Bikanerwala and Haldiram’s. The move comes at a time when passenger footfall continues to rise and expectations for quality, hygiene and convenient food options are higher than ever.

Policy Gets Modern

This change didn’t come out of the blue. The South Central Railway zone had earlier suggested allowing well-known single-brand food outlets—similar to the polished retail experience found at airports—to operate within stations. After reviewing the proposal, the Railway Board amended the Indian Railways Catering Policy, 2017, to officially include a fourth category of food service: the Premium Brand Catering Outlet.

Until now, only three types of stalls existed—those selling beverages, light snacks, milk-based drinks and juices. The introduction of premium outlets marks a significant shift in how the Railways imagines the traveller experience. Importantly, these branded counters will not bypass existing rules. They’ll be awarded through the established e-auction system, ensuring transparency, and each outlet will have a five-year operational tenure, like all other catering stalls. The Minimum Licence Fee norms and other standard guidelines will also remain unchanged.

The Railways has clarified that these stalls cannot be handed out via nomination or special preference. Instead, zones will determine where demand exists—particularly at high-footfall stations—and then incorporate these outlets into the station’s layout without disturbing reservation quotas for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, freedom fighters’ families, and land-displaced persons who currently receive priority for many catering stalls.

Stations Transform Fast

The timing of this policy shift aligns with one of Indian Railways’ most ambitious redevelopment drives in decades. More than 1,200 stations are currently being upgraded under various national programmes, including the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Designs inspired by local art, heritage architecture, and region-specific materials are replacing old facades. As stations get sleeker, more spacious and more commercially integrated, the presence of high-street food brands no longer seems like a luxury—rather, an expected amenity.

Cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, where major hubs are undergoing large-scale redesign, are likely to be among the first to see these branded food counters. With crowds thickening by the minute—over 2.3 crore passengers travel by train every single day—the demand is unmistakable. Many travellers now want predictable quality, quick service and the familiarity of global and national brands during their journeys, especially during tight layovers between trains.

For the Railways, the logic is simple: modern stations need modern services. As commercial space increases, integrating premium brands becomes a natural next step. Zonal railways have already begun assessing which stations can accommodate these outlets, how they can be woven into existing blueprints, and what specific contractual conditions would be required for seamless operations.

What Will Travellers Gain

For passengers, this move could change the food landscape of railway journeys entirely. Indian Railways, through IRCTC, already serves over 10 lakh meals a day across its network. The addition of popular food chains will not replace traditional vendors but instead widen the choices available—something most travellers will likely appreciate after years of relying on the same limited platform fare.

From families looking for reliable kids’ meals, to solo travellers wanting a quick familiar snack, to late-night commuters needing something dependable when everything else is shut, these brands could fill several long-standing gaps. And for stations in smaller cities—with rising travel numbers but fewer quality food options—the impact could be especially significant.

Ultimately, this shift signals a broader transformation underway within Indian Railways: a move towards making stations not just transit points, but spaces that feel modern, accessible and in tune with contemporary travel sensibilities. Whether you're catching an early-morning passenger or a long-distance express, the next time you step onto a platform, your meal options might just surprise you.

FAQs

1. What has Indian Railways announced?
Indian Railways has revised its catering policy to allow Premium Brand Catering Outlets—major national and global food chains—at stations.

2. Which brands may open at stations?
Chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Baskin Robbins, Bikanerwala and Haldiram’s may soon be permitted.

3. How will these outlets be allotted?
Allotment will be done through the existing e-auction policy, not through nominations.

4. Will this affect existing reservation quotas?
No. Premium outlets will be added without disturbing the quotas for SC, ST, OBC, freedom fighters’ families and others.

5. Why is the policy being updated now?
The move aligns with the redevelopment of 1,200+ stations across India, creating space and demand for modern branded food options.