The Railway Board has implemented significant changes to its Catering Policy of 2017. This revision grants Divisional Railway Managers the authority to approve new catering initiatives at railway stations.
Policy Modification Details
Southern Railway proposed these alterations in a formal letter to the Railway Board dated August 14, 2025. The board responded by modifying Paragraph 21 of the existing catering policy.
Previous Policy Framework
Under the original 2017 Catering Policy, zonal railways could introduce innovative catering initiatives at stations. However, this required approval from both the Associate Finance department and the General Manager. The initial tenure for such projects was one year, with possible extension to a second year subject to the General Manager's approval. Any further extension to complete the full five-year tenure needed Railway Board clearance.
The policy explicitly stated: "Zonal Railways shall be permitted to introduce innovative/new initiatives in catering on stations, with the concurrence of Associate Finance and approval of General Manager. Tenure for such initiatives shall be one year extendable to second year with the approval of General Manager. Further, extension for remaining period of the full tenure (i.e. five years) shall be with the approval of Railway Board."
New Approval Structure
The revised policy introduces a streamlined approval process. Divisional Railway Managers can now grant permission for new catering initiatives directly. These approvals cover a two-year period instead of the previous one-year term.
For extensions beyond the initial two years to complete the full five-year tenure, the General Manager's approval becomes necessary. This change reduces the Railway Board's direct involvement in initial approvals while maintaining oversight through the General Manager for longer-term projects.
A commercial circular issued to all zonal railways on January 13, 2026, clarifies: "Zonal Railways shall be permitted to introduce innovative/new initiatives in catering on stations, with the concurrence of Associate Finance and approval of Divisional Railway Manager for a period of 02 years. Further, extension for the remaining period of the full tenure (i.e. five years) may be considered with the approval of General Manager."
Implications and Context
This policy revision represents a decentralization of decision-making authority within Indian Railways. By empowering Divisional Railway Managers, the Railway Board aims to accelerate the implementation of new catering services across stations.
The change follows Southern Railway's specific recommendation to modify Paragraph 21. It reflects an organizational shift toward more localized decision-making while maintaining necessary financial and managerial oversight through existing structures.
Railway catering services have been undergoing continuous improvement efforts. This policy adjustment facilitates quicker introduction of innovative food and beverage options for passengers at various railway stations nationwide.
