If the supply issue persists, the railways may temporarily halt cooked meal services on certain trains.
The situation is developing. However, railway officials state that the problem has escalated enough to warrant contingency planning.
LPG shortage begins influencing IRCTC base kitchens
IRCTC prepares meals for long-distance journeys at its network of base kitchens throughout the country. Food is cooked at these locations and subsequently loaded onto trains before they depart.
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Pantry cars do not carry LPG cylinders; they primarily serve as distribution and reheating units. Thus, cooking is conducted on the ground and relies heavily on consistent LPG supplies.
Disruptions have commenced affecting the preparation of meals intended for multiple routes. A senior railway official noted that the impact could broaden if the supply situation does not improve quickly.
TOI quoted a railway official saying, “The situation has become significant and is likely to worsen if LPG supplies remain limited,” they stated.
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“Catering services hinge on food prepared at IRCTC kitchens; any shortage directly impacts that process.”
IRCTC advisory prompts operators to change cooking methods
IRCTC has already advised catering operators to explore alternatives. The advisory recommends transitioning to cooking methods such as induction or microwave systems wherever feasible.
Operators have also been instructed to keep adequate stocks of ready-to-eat food items. The aim is to satisfy passenger demand even if regular cooking is disrupted, as reported by HT.
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The advisory, mentioned by Hindustan Times, highlighted that global tensions in West Asia have impacted the supply of commercial LPG cylinders. Ensuring uninterrupted service at Food Plazas, Refreshment Rooms, and Jan Ahaars has, therefore, become a priority.
Operators were directed to strictly adhere to the new guidelines.
IRCTC serves millions of meals daily across the railway system
IRCTC currently provides approximately 17 lakh meals each day through its catering network. About one-fifth of those meals are distributed via the Western Railway Zone.
Officials remark that this makes the region especially vulnerable if the LPG shortage continues.
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Railway authorities have already informed the Railway Board about the situation. Discussions are underway regarding temporarily suspending cooked meal services on specific trains until the supply stabilizes. Passengers who booked meals during ticket reservations could receive refunds if services are suspended.
For the time being, IRCTC kitchens are monitoring LPG availability and coordinating with suppliers. If supplies become tighter, officials caution that meal services on trains may need to be scaled back—at least for a brief period.
