Diversifying its catering business, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is all set to open food joints at 130 Delhi Metro stations in the capital soon.
“We are in the process of signing an agreement with DMRC for opening IRCTC cafeterias at 130 Delhi Metro stations here,” a senior IRCTC official said.
As per the arrangement, DMRC will provide space for the cafeterias on a rental basis to IRCTC. “While DMRC will facilitate space and other infrastructure support, our responsibility will be setting up the kitchen, cooking, service and operation of the food outlets at Metro stations,” said the official.
A senior DMRC official said though there are fast food restaurants at some Delhi Metro stations, they are finalising the deal for IRCTC-run cafes at several stations to offer Metro passengers competitive facilities.
The DMRC official said the move is also part of the property development plan to earn additional revenue. IRCTC, a subsidiary of Railways, has been divested of catering responsibility in trains as per the new railway catering policy.
“We are now diversifying our catering business by opening up food plazas and cafeterias at many places across the country,” said the IRCTC official. Currently, IRCTC runs 70 food plazas and plans to open 50 more across the country.
Recently, IRCTC has opened up cafes at nine locations in the capital including Udyog Bhawan, Shastri Bahwan, IIT-Delhi.