The Indian Ministry of Railways have issued a rate card for its catering services, after frequent complaints, by the passengers.

Catering services included meals, tea and water bottles sold on trains.

The ministry posted the rate list on its Twitter account and asked people to lodge a complaint if and when they are charged, higher than the listed price.

“Know the rate list of @IRCATERING in case of any discrepancies must reported to @RailMinIndia: We work for you 24x7 #Awareness.” the tweet said.

The rate card sets the price of tea and coffee at Rs 7 each, while lunch and dinner will cost Rs 50-55.

Prices on the rate card were decided after a round table conference was held to discuss the issue. Representatives of food and beverage industry, government agencies, self help groups and railway officials, have participated in the conference. The delegates at the conference laid out their concerns regarding complaints filed by passengers on food items, describing it as “poor quality, less quantity and over-charging.”

Additionally, the Ministry has also released a video stating the actual prices of the various food items.

According to a report published in The Hindustan Times, the ministry had been receiving complaints about quality of food, price and catering services, offered by the private vendors, on various grievance portals and social networking websites.

As per the contract signed between the private vendors and IRCTC, the vendors are supposed to follow the pricing laid out by IRCTC, show the menu card and serve hygienic food.

Fixing the rates of food sold in trains will not only regulate the prices charged by vendors, but will also be in line with the government's focus on passenger cleanliness and safety from this year's Budget.

Railway Minister, Mr. Suresh Prabhu, has even asked for a review of, all the vendors who are allowed to cater inside the trains, and blacklist the ones involved in any unfair practices.

Last month, Prabhu even launched a new catering policy, which would separate the food making and distribution part of the business to ensure good quality food. He had said that the food will be prepared at a base kitchen, but distributed by suppliers from the hospitality sector.

The move is aimed to attract major food industry players in the market to link up with Railways.

By Supraja