Pantry Cars in Trains: A Comprehensive Guide for Passenger Travel

When traveling long distances by train, one of the most convenient and appreciated amenities is the pantry car. These cars, attached to AC coaches in trains like the Rajdhani Express, Duronto Express, and Superfast Express, offer an array of catering services to enhance the passenger experience. In this article, we discuss the benefits, food offerings, and practical aspects of using pantry cars during your train journey.

Benefits of Pantry Cars

Pantry cars play a crucial role in providing better catering facilities to railway passengers. They offer a solution to the problem of carrying packed food for long journeys, which can often be bulky and perishable. Additionally, passengers traveling in premium classes, such as AC First Class on a Rajdhani Express, can enjoy delicious meals without worrying about the quality and hygiene of the food service.

Food Offerings in Pantry Cars

The catering services in pantry cars are particularly impressive during long-distance travels. For instance, on a Rajdhani Express from New Delhi to Mumbai (an 15-16 hour journey), the food offerings are extensive and include a variety of items from breakfast to dinner, all prepared with top-notch quality and hygiene.

Breakfast

Bread toast Cutlets (2 pieces) Half fried eggs (2 pieces) French fries Boiled peas Sachet of sauce Amul butter Salt Tea kettle

Lunch

Chapati (3 pieces) Fried rice Yellow dal fry Aloo sabji Mixed vegetables Paneer masala Mixed pickles Mother Dairy curd Salt and pepper sachet

Evening Snacks

Himalayan salt caramel popcorn Triangular sandwich Kachori Hebbar Bkaji khichdi Kuch kuch tea (tea with milk)

Soup with Amul Butter and Breadsticks before Dinner

Dinner

Chapati (3 pieces) Zeera rice Yellow dal fry Aloo parwal sabji Chicken curry (masala) Mixed pickles Mother Dairy curd Salt and pepper sachet

The food quality and variety offered by pantry cars are comparable to that of high-end restaurants, making them an indispensable asset for any long-distance train traveler.

Practical Aspects and Tips

While the food quality in pantry cars is generally good, it may sometimes vary due to the nature of the service. To ensure a pleasant dining experience:

Always ask for and clarify the food options available. Report any dissatisfaction or complaints to the train incharge or ticket inspector. If you are not comfortable or satisfied with the service, you can lodge a complaint online, which the Indian Railway (IR) will address. For traveling babies, you can request warm milk and food from the pantry car staff by being friendly and polite.

While some may regard the complaint process as ineffective, it is important to trust the system and encourage improvements through constructive feedback. Recent efforts have shown responsiveness and alertness in addressing passenger complaints, indicating positive changes in the railway service.

In conclusion, pantry cars in trains greatly enhance the comfort and convenience of long-distance travel. By providing a wide range of food options and addressing any issues through a transparent system, these cars ensure a delightful and hassle-free journey for all passengers.