The Central Bureau of Investigation recently arrested two senior rail officials and a businessman in connection with alleged corruption in supply of packaged drinking water in Rajdhani and other superfast trains. A significant player in Railway catering service, Comesum group, had come under scanner of the CBI in wake of the ‘Rail Neer’ scam.
Speaking on the issue Prabhu said, “Not much can be done regarding catering contracts currently as previous contracts are in place but now they are being reviewed and will be removed because of the incident (referring to ‘Rail Neer’ scam) which has happened, and the CBI investigating the matter.”
There have been several complaints regarding quality of food in railways and the ministry has taken several steps to ensure this concern is addressed, he said. “We have ordered a review of the food which is served in trains. Quality control is very important for which there are third party checks but primarily people’s feedback is most significant,” said Prabhu.
The ministry is focusing on e-catering system to improve the standard of food that is being served. Currently this system is in place across 45 stations and being implemented in 1500 trains. “What we did was start the system of e-catering, regarding which I also mentioned in my Budget speech. This system is in place for 1500 trains across 45 stations, so now the customer has choice. This system will be nationally implemented by next year,” the Minister said.
Prabhu also said that the Railways would give a push to the concept of base kitchens, which will provide fresh food to passengers.