There are currently 397 food stalls under the Western Railway (WR), with 261 located at suburban stations and 136 at non-suburban ones. According to officials, the new food items include both indulgent and healthy options, while the price revision is the first in four years
Passengers buy snacks from railway stalls at Churchgate station. PIC/ SATEJ SHINDE
Passengers on the Western Railway network will now find millets-based health snacks on station menus — but they’ll also have to pay more for their regular eats. Starting July 1, the Western Railway has revised food prices at stalls across its network, while also introducing 16 new items to the menu.
There are currently 397 food stalls under the Western Railway (WR), with 261 located at suburban stations and 136 at non-suburban ones. According to officials, the new food items include both indulgent and healthy options, while the price revision is the first in four years.
Passengers buy snacks from the railway stalls at Churchgate station. Pic/Satej Shinde
“Prices for about 14 types of items have gone up by 20 to 25 per cent. A committee was formed to study market trends and standardise food rates. Since prices hadn’t changed since COVID-19, this hike was long overdue. For example, a vada that was priced at Rs 10 will now cost Rs 15,” a WR official said.
New items added
>> Dabeli
>> Veg Hot Dog
>> Cheese Paneer Roll
>> Cheese Paneer Hot Dog
>> Sev Puri
>> Sandwiches
>> Chinese Bhel
>> Donuts
Healthy millet-based options include
>> Millet Chakli
>> Millet Poha
>> Millet Biscuits
>> Millet Khakhra
>> Millet Thepla (made from jowar)
Items that saw a price hike
Vada, samosa, dhokla, sabudana vada, laddoo, sandwiches, usal, ragda, frankie, patties, and more
Items removed from stalls
Loose chickpeas (chana), peanuts, farsan, rose/vanilla and chikoo milkshakes, and ice cream donuts
Passenger reactions
Shailesh Goyal, former member of the National Railway Users Consultative Committee
‘We accepted the AC local with higher fares, so paying a bit more for snacks shouldn’t be an issue — but only if quality improves. Hygiene is still a major concern. Samosas are shrinking, lemon juice is served in smaller glasses, and many stalls reuse palm oil until it turns black. Dust cloths and containers are never cleaned. Railways should hand over catering to reputed food brands if they want to charge more. Also, many items sold at stalls aren’t even on the approved menu.’
Pratik Patil, a daily commuter from Palghar to Churchgate
‘WR should consider the middle class. Prices are rising everywhere — can’t they at least keep basic food affordable?’
Rajiv Singal, member of WR Mumbai’s Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee
‘The price hike is steeper than necessary, but the only silver lining is the inclusion of millet-based food items as a healthier option’
Prathamesh Prabhutendolkar, member of Dahanu Vaitarna Pravasi Sevabhavi Sanstha
‘WR’s move to include millet-based food items is a welcome step towards promoting healthy eating. However, the simultaneous increase in stall item rates is disappointing, as it directly affects daily passengers. Nutritious food should be affordable and accessible to all, not a burden on the common man’s pocket’
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