If the supply crunch continues, the railways may temporarily suspend cooked meal services on some trains.
The situation is still evolving. But railway officials say the problem has become serious enough to prompt contingency planning.
LPG shortage begins affecting IRCTC base kitchens
IRCTC prepares meals for long-distance trains at its network of base kitchens across the country. Food is cooked there and then loaded onto trains before departure.
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Pantry cars themselves do not carry LPG cylinders. They function mainly as distribution and reheating units. That means the cooking happens on the ground and depends heavily on steady LPG supplies.
Disruptions have started to affect the preparation of meals meant for several routes. A senior railway official said the impact could widen if the supply situation does not improve soon.
TOI quoted a railway official stating, “The issue has become serious and is likely to aggravate if LPG supplies remain tight,” they said.
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“Catering services depend on food prepared at IRCTC kitchens, and any shortage directly affects that process.”
IRCTC advisory asks operators to switch cooking methods
IRCTC has already asked catering operators to look for alternatives. The advisory suggests switching to cooking methods such as induction or microwave systems where possible.
Operators were also directed to maintain sufficient stocks of ready-to-eat food items. The goal is to meet passenger demand even if regular cooking is disrupted, the HT report noted.
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The advisory, cited by Hindustan Times, noted that global tensions in West Asia have affected the supply of commercial LPG cylinders. Maintaining uninterrupted service at Food Plazas, Refreshment Rooms and Jan Ahaars has therefore become a priority.
Operators were instructed to comply strictly with the new directions.
IRCTC serves millions of meals daily across the railway network
IRCTC currently serves around 17 lakh meals each day through its catering network. Nearly one-fifth of those meals are distributed through the Western Railway Zone.
Officials say that makes the region particularly vulnerable if the LPG shortage continues.
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Railway authorities have already informed the Railway Board about the situation. Among the options under discussion is temporarily suspending cooked meal services on certain trains until supply stabilises. Passengers who booked meals during ticket reservation could receive refunds if services are halted.
For now, IRCTC kitchens are monitoring LPG availability and coordinating with vendors. If supplies tighten further, officials say meal services on trains could be scaled back – at least for a short period.
