Patna Junction. Telegraph picture

Patna, June 12: For the first time in the country, Indian Railways have come out with a “food for thought” project for those who urinate in public. Quite literally!

The railway has decided to open a food court on the circulating area of Patna Junction entrance. The decision came after people were caught urinating at different spots near the entrance of the station.

A few days back, divisional railway manager (DRM) of east central railway Danapur division, Lalan Mohan Jha, inspected the area and caught many people urinating on the campus of Patna Junction.

Now, according to the railway plan, the same area will be utilised to open the first food court under railways with the help of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

“We had launched a special drive to penalise people to make them realise that urinating in public place is not only a nuisance but also a punishable offence. But it seems that people are not ready to listen. Thus, we have decided to use that area to open a food court that will also cater to the needs of the passengers,” said Jha.

He added: “The step was important as the railway ministry had announced to make Patna a world-class station but once you get down at the station, you will find yourself amid pool of urine at the entrance and the exit gate. After several inspections, I have realised that there is no other way to get rid of this menace but to use the area for some other purpose and the food court is the best option.”

Commenting on the decision of opening the food court, the Danapur DRM said: “We have decided to open the food court and we have started working on it. IRCTC will be playing a pivotal role as they are in this field for many years so their advice and suggestions will be benchmark for our food court.”

He added: “We are sure that we will get a good response, as it will also bring revenue for the railway. Since the food court will come up at the circulating area apart from the railway commuters, a passerby too can avail the facility of taking food from the court. The price of food at the court will be reasonable compared to market rate.”

Jha added: “Railways is committed to provide hygienic and quality food. The food will be healthy and safe for the passengers and the price will be affordable too. Standard food at standard rate will be the policy.”

A senior officer with the IRCTC, Patna, has confirmed that Jha is in constant touch with the catering major regarding opening the court and by end of August it would be inaugurated. The court will spread over an area of 1500sqm.

“As Patna Junction comes under A-category station in Asia, the step taken by DRM ECR is commendable. The food court will have 20 specialised outlets, which will be serving 20 different food varieties like Chinese, South Indian, liti-chokha, standard meal and many others. There would be a take-away counters and the facility to eat at the court as well,” said a senior officer with IRCTC, Patna.