Jan Ahaar Outlets In Indian Railway

JAN AHAAR OUTLET AT RAILWAY STATION

Introduction 

Jan Ahaar stalls, also known as Jan Ahaar outlets, are an initiative of Indian Railways to provide affordable and hygienic meals to passengers at railway stations across India. These stalls aim to offer good quality vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options at reasonable prices.These outlets typically serve a range of dishes, snacks, and beverages to cater to the varied tastes of travellers.

The main objectives of Jan Ahaar stalls are to improve the overall food experience of railway passengers, maintain hygiene standards, and offer meals at prices that are affordable to a broader section of the traveling population. 

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The Need for Jan Aahaar Stalls 

Traveling by train has always been a popular and convenient mode of transportation in India. However, passengers often faced challenges in accessing good quality food during their journeys. The options were limited, and the pricing was often unreasonably high. 

Recognising this concern, the Indian Railways took the initiative to introduce Jan Aahar stalls in the year 2009 starting outlets at Howrah, Bangalore, Chennai and Secunderabad stations, aiming to address the food-related issues faced by passengers. 

Food price at Jan Ahaar Outlet 

Indian railway had constituted a committee for better food management at outlets and also to decide food price at these outlets. As per initiative of committee, Food costs at the Jan Ahaar outlets are in the range of Rs 5 to Rs 50. 

Sl. No.	Item	Rate (₹)
1	Standard veg Breakfast	₹25
2	Standard Non veg Breakfast	₹30
3	Standard veg meal	₹35
4	Standard Non veg meal	₹40
5	Tea/coffee	₹7
6	Janata Meal	₹15
7	Rail Neer	₹15
8	Rice	₹11
9	Dal	₹15
10	Chola Puri	₹31
11	Omelet	₹25

 Jan Ahaar outlets over Indian Railway 

While concentrating on offering high quality food to its customers indian railways also has plans to extend the number of Jan Ahaar food stalls on train platforms to offer meals at reduced rates. As per data published in press information bureau , Total 53 Jan Ahaar outlets are operational under Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation and their zone wise distribution is as follows:- 

Sl. No.	ZONAL RAILWAY	No. OF UNITS
1	CENTRAL	8
2	EAST COAST	4
3	EAST CENTRAL	1
4	EASTERN	5
5	NORTH EASTERN	2
6	NORTHEAST FRONTIER	3
7	NORTHERN	4
8	NORTH WESTERN	2
9	SOUTH CENTRAL	2
10	SOUTH EAST CENTRAL	1
11	SOUTH EASTERN	3
12	SOUTHERN	4
13	SOUTH WESTERN	6
14	WEST CENTRAL	5
15	WESTERN	3
	Total	53

All the Jan Ahaar outlets are run by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation through private contractors. All Jan Ahaar outlets are awarded to private contractors on license fee basis.