If the supply shortage continues, the railways may temporarily halt cooked meal services on some trains.
The situation is still developing. However, railway officials state that the issue has escalated enough to necessitate contingency planning.
LPG shortage begins affecting IRCTC base kitchens
IRCTC is responsible for preparing meals for long-distance trains at its network of base kitchens across the nation. Food is cooked there and then loaded onto trains ahead of their departure.
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Pantry cars do not carry LPG cylinders. They mainly serve as distribution and reheating units, meaning that cooking relies heavily on a steady supply of LPG from the ground.
Disruptions are beginning to affect meal preparations for several routes. A senior railway official mentioned that the impact could expand if the supply situation does not improve promptly.
TOI quoted a railway official stating, “The issue has become serious and is likely to worsen if LPG supplies remain tight,” they remarked.
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“Catering services rely on food prepared at IRCTC kitchens, and any shortage directly impacts that process.”
IRCTC advisory asks operators to switch cooking methods
IRCTC has already advised catering operators to explore alternatives. The advisory suggests considering cooking methods such as induction or microwave systems where feasible.
Operators were also instructed to keep adequate stocks of ready-to-eat food items to meet passenger demand, even if regular cooking is disrupted, as noted in the HT report.
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The advisory, referenced by Hindustan Times, highlighted that global tensions in West Asia have disrupted the supply of commercial LPG cylinders. Ensuring uninterrupted service at Food Plazas, Refreshment Rooms, and Jan Ahaars has thus become crucial.
Operators were instructed to comply strictly with the new directives.
IRCTC serves millions of meals daily across the railway network
IRCTC currently provides around 17 lakh meals each day through its catering network, with nearly one-fifth of those meals distributed through the Western Railway Zone.
Officials indicate that this makes the region particularly vulnerable if the LPG shortage persists.
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Railway authorities have already briefed the Railway Board on the situation. Among the options being discussed is the temporary suspension of cooked meal services on certain trains until the supply stabilizes. Passengers who reserved meals during ticket booking may receive refunds if services are suspended.
For now, IRCTC kitchens are closely monitoring LPG availability and coordinating with vendors. If supplies tighten further, officials warn that meal services on trains may need to be reduced—at least temporarily.
