Patna, July 25: Passengers travelling through the East Central Railway (ECR) zone would soon get a taste of corn while waiting at platforms.

Indian Railways, with the help of Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), has decided to install popcorn stalls at over 40 railway stations under the ECR division. The corn stalls would be launched at Patna Junction and Rajendra Nagar station in a month.

Mumbai’s Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus have introduced popcorn stalls on platforms.

ECR chief commercial manager Deepak Chhabra said the plan is in process. “Indian Railways has decided to set up stalls of popcorn, steamed corn and cornflakes to cater to the need of passengers. The decision has been taken after response from passengers. We felt that the availability of food made of corn, which are not a heavy diet, would be appropriate for passengers. Within a month, stalls would be installed at all the premier railway stations in Bihar with the first phase being Patna Junction and Rajendra Nagar stations.”

Sources confirmed that stalls of corn-based food would be set up in Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Darbhanga and Samastipur region.

“This would add more flavour to the taste of passengers after the inauguration of the new litti-chokha stall at Patna Junction,” said a commuter.

IRCTC regional manager Anand Kumar Jha said: “IRCTC would provide all possible help to Indian Railways in this project. We have started work on the scheme and the popcorn machine and other required items have been ordered. I think this is one of the best ideas as there is no possibility of adulteration in food made of corn. The items would be available for Rs 10 each. Rajdhani has introduced corn soup and soon a spinach and corn vegetable dish would also be served to Rajdhani passengers.”

The ECR chief commercial manager, meanwhile, emphasised the health factor in introducing a corn diet for passengers.

Chhabra added: “Maize products make up a healthy diet and people of all ages love to have it. We have a good maize production in north India and a wide variety of dishes can be made out of it. So, why shouldn’t our passengers get a taste of it?”

He also assured hygienic arrangements would be made to serve the food.

Chhabra said: “Our aim is to provide healthy and hygienic food to the passengers and we will train the employees, who will serve them. The employees would be required to go through medical check-ups before joining the job. There won’t be any compromise with hygiene. The employees would serve the corn items wearing gloves.”