East Central Railway: Premium branded food outlets to open at Bihar railway stations
East Central Railway is planning to bring high-quality branded food options to railway stations across Bihar. This move follows a policy approved by the Railway Board in November 2025 to improve catering services for passengers. The goal is to provide cleaner and better food choices for people traveling through the region.
How will these premium outlets work?
The Railway Board has allowed zonal railways to set up these outlets where there is high demand. These stalls will be allotted through an e-auction process. Once a company wins the bid, the contract will be valid for five years. This ensures that only professional brands manage the food services at the stations.
What happened at the Patna consultation meeting?
On June 11, 2026, East Central Railway held a meeting in Mahendrughat, Patna, to discuss the rules for these contracts. More than 40 catering firms participated, with some attending in person and others joining virtually. Officials discussed eligibility criteria, modern facilities, and the inclusion of both national and regional food brands.
Key details of the premium catering initiative
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Approval | November 2025 by Railway Board |
| Contract Duration | 5 Years |
| Allotment Method | E-auction mechanism |
| Stakeholder Meeting | June 11, 2026 at Patna |
| Participation | 40+ catering firms |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How will the premium food stalls be allotted?
The stalls will be allotted through an e-auction mechanism. The successful brands will get a contract tenure of five years to operate their outlets.
Which brands can open outlets at Bihar stations?
The railway administration is looking to include both national and regional brands to provide a variety of high-quality food options to the passengers.