IRCTC : The war between Iran and Israel in the Middle East has also started to affect the railway catering services in India. In view of the LPG gas supply crisis in the country, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has issued new directives to catering units at railway stations. According to these directives, it is mandatory to stock microwave, induction cooking system and ready-to-eat (RTE) food items to avoid disruption of food supply to passengers.
Increasing conflicts in West Asia are expected to affect the supply of commercial LPG cylinders. This may affect the functioning of food plazas, refreshment rooms and other catering units at railway stations. In view of this, the West Division Office of IRCTC has issued an official letter dated 10th March 2026 to all licensed catering units and ordered to make alternative arrangements immediately.
The instructions issued by IRCTC have clarified some important points such as cooking on microwave or induction should be arranged in case of LPG shortage. Prepared food should be available in sufficient quantity to meet the demand of passengers. Stoppage of cooking on LPG in any unit should be reported immediately to West Division Control Room. Passengers have also been instructed to take special care not to disturb the food service. IRCTC
The move could lead to increased availability of ready-to-eat meals, packed food and microwave-heated foods at railway stations. Therefore, even if there is a problem in gas supply, there will be no hindrance in getting food for the passengers. IRCTC has clarified that this decision has been taken as a precaution considering the current global situation. The aim is to ensure uninterrupted food service to the passengers.
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