Indian Railways is preparing for one of its most noticeable retail upgrades in years. The national transporter has opened the doors for some of the biggest food chains in the country to set up shop inside railway stations. This means passengers will soon find familiar names like McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, KFC, Haldiram’s, Subway, Baskin Robbins and Bikanervala right on the platforms where they board their trains.
The move aims to change the everyday travel experience for millions of people. Railway stations already see some of the highest foot traffic in India, and officials believe that bringing trusted food brands into these locations will improve both safety and quality for passengers. Instead of relying on random vendors or rushed snacks from stalls, travellers will now have access to better food options that follow standard hygiene rules.
According to officials, this plan is part of a broader push to modernise stations and bring them closer to the level of busy airports. Brands will be allowed to run single label outlets, giving them full control of menu, pricing and service quality. The hope is that this will raise confidence among families, long distance travellers and young commuters who often worry about what to eat during long hours on platforms.
The move is also expected to create new jobs and bring additional revenue to the Railways through leases and commissions. For global chains, it offers a chance to tap into one of the biggest customer bases in the world. For passengers, it means a familiar burger, thali or ice cream during a hectic travel day.
If all goes as planned, the sight of bright signboards and busy counters from major food chains may soon become a normal part of railway life across India.
