Indian Railways launches Janani Sewa, optional catering Scheme on pilot basis

The Union Ministry of Railways launched three passenger service initiatives viz. a Janani Sewa for mothers, optional catering in Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains on a pilot basis and a children’s menu on trains.
These services were launched by Union Railways minister Suresh Prabhu on 8th June 2016 in New Delhi.
Key Facts

• Janani Sewa: Under this scheme hot milk, hot water and baby food will be available at railway stations. Initially on pilot basis this scheme will be available at 25 railway stations including New Delhi, Howrah, Mumbai, Chennai, Surat and Lucknow.
• Optional catering services project: It will be available only on the Secunderabad-Pune Shatabdi Express and Mumbai Central-Hazrat Nizammudin Rajdhani Express on a pilot basis for 45 days initially.
• The catering charges would be deducted from the cost of the Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express ticket if a passenger opts out of the catering service.
• Children’s menu on trains’ scheme: It seeks to make travel a happier experience for children. Under it, IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) will provide food items like french fries, noodles, burgers and meal combos through through its e-catering services.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2016