Indian Railways will allow premium single-brand food outlets such as McDonald’s , KFC, Pizza Hut, Baskin-Robbins, and Haldiram’s to operate at stations nationwide via a five-year e-auction system. This new category aims to enhance passenger food options and align railway catering with modern airport standards.
In a major policy update, Indian Railways has introduced a new category for “Premium Brand Catering Outlets,” enabling well-known single-brand food chains like McDonald’s , KFC, Subway, Haldiram’s, and others to set up stalls at railway stations across India. This addition complements the existing eight catering stall types, which include tea stalls, milk bars, and juice bars.
The Railway Board has mandated that space allocation for these premium outlets will be conducted through an e-auction, ensuring a transparent five-year license tenure. A separate segment on the e-auction platform will facilitate these allotments, with minimum license fees adhering to existing policy guidelines. Stalls cannot be allotted on a nomination basis, thereby promoting fairness and competition.
This move aligns with the ongoing redevelopment of over 1,200 railway stations, including major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, expanding opportunities to integrate popular food brands in key passenger areas. The policy is expected to significantly enhance travelers’ convenience and elevate the overall food experience at stations.
Key Highlights
-
Premium Brand Catering Outlets, including McDonald’s and KFC, now permitted at Indian railway stations.
-
Space allotment via e-auction process for a five-year tenure; no nomination-based allotments.
-
A new catering stall category added to the 2017 policy to modernize food services.
-
Rollout supports redevelopment of more than 1,200 stations, including major metro hubs.
-
Expected to improve non-fare revenue and passenger food options significantly.
Sources: The Economic Times, NDTV, Mid-Day, Indian Railways official circular.