Overview
- A November 13 circular signed by Deputy Director (Catering) A. Rangarajan formalizes a new category under the Catering Policy, 2017 for premium-brand outlets at railway stations.
- Major single-brand chains such as McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Haldiram’s, Bikanerwala and Baskin Robbins are eligible to apply.
- Outlets may be company-owned or franchised but must operate under a single brand and will be allowed only where demand and approved station layouts permit.
- Licences will be awarded exclusively through the existing e-auction system with a dedicated premium-brand segment, with no allocation by nomination.
- Each licence will run for five years under existing financial terms, and zonal railways will assess sites and frame station-specific conditions as redevelopment creates commercial space at key hubs.