Culinary makeover on cards. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, Feb. 22: Indian food is passé. Crispy pizzas and sumptuous burgers will now be available on trains.

In a recent move, two FMCG companies — Nestlé and Natural B — have submitted quotations to start a modernised catering service at the Tatanagar station. The move comes in the wake of plans of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to revamp catering and pantry services at major stations and passenger trains across the country.

“We have received bids from two FMCG companies to provide modernised catering services. The companies would put up stalls at the stations to serve pizzas, burgers, cakes and other items. If things fall into place, we will begin the service soon,” said R. Mishra, senior executive, catering services, Tatanagar station. Tatanagar is the first in the state where the service would be outsourced. Ranchi railway station would be next.

According to Mishra, the IRCTC was taking care of the catering service at Tatanagar. The latest move is an effort to outsource the service to other private parties so that apart from good service, a variety of items could be served to the consumers. “The two private companies would operate after an MoU is signed with the IRCTC. The proposals have been forwarded to them,” he said.

Rail sources said gradually more number of interested private parties would come up to set shop in the “catering department”. After Nestlé and Natural B, Coke and Brooke Bond are also looking at joining in. “By 2009, many more companies would be in the run,” Mishra said. Outsourcing at railway stations is taking place across the country. Catering services at Hazipur and Buxar have already been improved.

“Unlike the present system, electronic gadgets would be used to prepare the food. This would provide customers with a variety of dishes,” he said.