Following the grand success of its scheme “Restaurant on Wheels” at the Mumbai and Nagpur stations, the Central Railway is going full steam ahead to set up more such food outlets. It was a year back that CR had launched Restaurant on Wheels by modifying a coach mounted on rails into a fine-dining restaurant.

Bidders have been appointed at four locations, Chinchwad, Akurdi, Baramati (all in Pune district) and Miraj (Sangli) stations to start similar facilities. Talking to the Press, the Chief Public Relations Officer Shivaji Sutar said: “Now, the newly-appointed bidders will commence the business in the next four to five months.

Apart from the four stations, CR has also identified seven other locations for this project. These are Kalyan, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Neral, Lonavala, Dadar, Igatpuri, and Matheran. Tenders for the seven have already been floated.

This project had been implemented at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus last October and at Nagpur station in February respectively under the non-fare revenue scheme. Both have become landmark eating outlets since their launch.

Sutar added that a private agency has been appointed to take care of the restaurant in lieu of the annual licence fees. The fee is decided depending on the city and the location of the station and can vary between Rs.40 and 45 lakhs.

These outlets can accommodate 40 patrons and their interiors are painted with a railway theme. The coaches are selected as they are not fit for service and it is provided to the agency which transforms it into a dining space.

Also read: 24/7 Restaurant on Wheels starts at Bhopal railway station??