Train travel could soon get a whole lot tastier. Indian Railways has approved a major policy shift that will permit premium single-brand food chains including McDonald’s, KFC, and Haldiram’s to operate food outlets at railway stations.
Under the revised catering policy, the Railway Board has created a new “Premium Brand Catering Outlet” category to formalize the entry of leading food brands into stations. These outlets can be either company-owned or run by franchisees, and crucially they will be allotted only through e-auctions for a fixed tenure of five years.
The move is part of a broader modernization push: more than 1,200 railway stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, creating space that could host such branded food outlets. According to railway officials, zones will assess individual stations based on footfall, layout, and demand before deciding where to set up the outlets.
One specific mention is of suburban stations in Mumbai, where elevated decks at stations like Khar and Kandivali are being eyed to host McDonald’s, KFC, and Haldiram’s. These stations are part of the wider station redevelopment drive.
The Railway Board has also clarified that this change will not affect existing reservation quotas for catering stall licenses (such as those reserved for SC, ST, OBC, freedom fighters, etc.).
Officials believe the entry of these trusted food brands will significantly improve the passenger food experience at stations offering clean, branded, and quality dining options, rather than just traditional stalls.
This policy reform marks a new chapter for Indian Railways’ catering business: not only does it aim to modernize station amenities, but it also promises to boost non-fare revenue, helping Railways tap into its commercial potential.