Passengers relish their meal at a Jan Ahar stall in Patna Junction on Wednesday. Picture by Ashok Sinha

Patna, Sept. 8: The Patna Junction, which has already been granted a model station status by the Indian Railways, is running a profitable business from its food outlet called ‘Jan Ahar’.

The stall is under the direct supervision of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. At the outlet, one can buy meals for Rs 3 to 40.

India Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation regional manager A.K. Jha said: “The 24-hour food outlet serves quality eatables at subsidised rates. It is the brainchild of railway minister Mamata Banerjee who had announced opening of such restaurants at all major railway stations.”

He also said: “The idea of converting the refreshment room into ‘Jan Ahar’ is brilliant. The food is hygienic and safe for the passengers and the prices are affordable. We can serve standard food on standard rates.”

Talking about the stall’s business, Jha said: “When the outlet was first opened, we used earn just about Rs 1,000 per day. Now we earn nearly Rs 30,000 per day. This indicates that meals served at our stalls have become popular with the people.”

Patna Junction Jan Ahar unit in-charge Rajiv Ranjan said: “A popular designer prepared the logo of Jan Ahar. This colour combination (yellow and green) has been chosen to give a youthful and vibrant look to the outlets.”

Vegetarian meals are priced at Rs 22 per plate and non-vegetarian meals at Rs 27.

The stall sells vegetable biryani for Rs 25 and egg biryani for Rs 30. Rice and chicken is priced at Rs 38.

The stall also sells snacks like pakoda for Rs 6 and tea for Rs 4. A special option of ‘janata meal’ is available for Rs 10.

Jan Ahar also has special arrangements for physically challenged visitors, children and senior citizens.

Jan Ahar assistant supervisor Alok Kumar said: “A large number of people visit the stall on platform number 1 of the station.”

Abhishek Rao, a regular customer at the stall, said: “The stall is very clean and that encouraged me to eat food here. The food tastes very good. I do not know of any place where food of such quality is available at such a reasonable price.”

Pinky Kumari, another regular, said: “The quality of food is very good. Earlier, I used to carry food from home while travelling but after this outlet was opened, I started coming here for meals before boarding the train.”

Jha said: “We ensure the availability of good food at low rates. The stall has not been opened to earn profit but to provide service to the passengers.”

India Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation was formed under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee when she became the railway minister.