With the Indian Railways reversing its decision to scrap pantry cars aboard trains, the terrifying image of cooks in vests frying on flaming high stoves in unhygienic kitchen coaches might soon change.

It has agreed to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation's (IRCTC's) proposal of redesigning pantry cars to bring them on par with international standards and improving hygiene and quality of food. Indian Railways has given IRCTC a free hand to take over the train kitchens and convert them, as it pleases, over the next three years. It issued a circular to this effect on Tuesday; mid-day has a copy of it.