Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Railway Board Modifies Catering Policy 2017
The Railway Board has changed a rule about food services at train stations.
Before, only high-level managers could say yes to new food ideas.
Now, middle-level managers can approve new food services for two years.
After that, the high-level managers can decide if the new food services should continue for the full five years.
This change was suggested by the Southern Railway and was announced in a letter dated January 13, 2026.
The goal is to make it easier and faster to introduce new and innovative food services at train stations.
Railway Board modifies Catering Policy 2017 to allow Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) to approve new catering initiatives.
Initial approval period for new initiatives is two years, with possible extension for the remaining three years requiring General Manager's approval.
Change suggested by Southern Railway in a letter dated August 14, 2025.
Modification announced in a commercial circular dated January 13, 2026.
Aims to streamline the approval process and encourage innovation in catering services at stations.
- Who
- Railway Board (RB), Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs), Southern Railway (SR)
- What
- Modification of Catering Policy 2017 to allow DRMs to approve new catering initiatives
- When
- Suggestion made on August 14, 2025; Modification effective from January 13, 2026
- Where
- Indian Railways, all zonal railways
- Why
- To streamline the approval process for new catering initiatives and encourage innovation
- Policy Modified
- Catering Policy 2017
- Approval Authority Changed
- From General Manager to Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs)
- Initial Approval Period
- 2 years
- Extension Approval
- General Manager for remaining 3 years
- Suggesting Railway
- Southern Railway
- Date of Suggestion
- August 14, 2025
- Date of Modification
- January 13, 2026