Self-help groups to provide local cuisines in trains

In a significant measure to promote self-help groups (SHGs), Ministry of Railways has decided to rope in SHGs in making regional cuisine products produced by such groups available to travelling passengers on e-catering service platform of Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The pilot project will kick start on Saturday at Sawantwadi Road station of the Konkan Railway in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.

According to Railways Ministry, the IRCTC in association with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) would join hands with SHGs formed by MAVIM - Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal, and Lupin Human Welfare Research Foundation in the Konkan region to bring the delectable Konkani cuisine right on the seat of a train passenger.

The move is in line with the budget announcement by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu wherein it was stated that Railways will promote products made by self-help groups, consisting mainly of women and youth.  “The project would not only provide an enriched variety of local homemade foods to passengers but would also help in generating local employment, empower women and ensure inclusive growth,” a railway official said.