Railway Station Food Price Hike: Major setback for train passengers. Food at railway stations will no longer be priced as it was before. Central Railways has sanctioned a hike in food prices. This adjustment is attributed to the increase in oil and gas costs. The new pricing will take effect from June 1, 2026.
According to the information received, the Central Railway had approved the increase in food prices on Monday, May 25 itself. The Railways has also released a new list of 33 dishes with new and revised rates. Apart from this, there are 16 dishes whose prices have not been changed in any way. Under the new pricing structure, a 50-gram potato vada will be priced at Rs 15, while the pav that comes with it will be Rs 5. Popular snacks such as veg samosa, veg puff, and sabudana vada will now be sold for Rs 20. Pav bhaji and veg pizza will be available for Rs 50. A basic vada pav, which used to cost Rs 13, will now be priced at Rs 20, marking an increase of nearly 54%.
What did Northern Railway say in the notification?
Northern Railway said in its notification, “The competent authority has approved the revision of tariff/rates of ‘a-la-carte’ items at static catering units, as per the enclosed list. The new menu and tariff will be applicable from 01/06/2026. All licensees are directed to prominently display the new menu and tariff bilingually (in two languages) at their catering units. It should be clearly explained to the licensees that the rate revision should result in improved quality of food items. Divisions should evaluate sales after 6 months of implementation of the new tariff and the license fee may be reviewed accordingly.”
Northern Railway has clearly stated that the impact of food price increases should be reflected in the quality of the food. Furthermore, regular inspections and checks of the quality and quantity of food should be conducted. Furthermore, the Railways has ordered investigations and inspections of overcharging at railway stations. It should be noted that following Central Railway, other railway zones may also approve food price increases.
