“Restaurant on Wheels Rolls Into Pune Railway Station
Sumit Singh
Pune, 22nd November 2023: The “Restaurant on Wheels” initiative by Indian Railways, gaining popularity among travelers nationwide, has marked its presence on Pune Division with the inauguration of its second rail coach restaurant on 22nd November 2023.
The project is spearheaded by Divisional Railway Manager, Indu Dubey, Additional Divisional Railway Manager Brijeshkumar Singh, and Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Dr. Milind Hirawe at Pune station.
Dr. Milind Hirwe, along with Divisional Commercial Manager & Public Relations Officer Dr. Ramdas Bhise and other railway officials, graced the inaugural function. Also present were Neeraj Agarwal, Director of Haldirams, and Amol Bhagat, Deputy Manager, Haldirams. Neeraj Agarwal conducted the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially launching the services.
According to Dr. Bhise, the Coach Restaurant is not only aimed at providing hygienic and delicious food to passengers but also serves the local community. Operated by Haldirams, the restaurant is expected to be a hotspot for youth and college students in the nearby area, offering round-the-clock service.
Situated on Tadiwala road circulating area near Pune Divisional Railway Manager’s office, the Restaurant on Wheels (ROW) covers an area of 100 square meters. Managed and operated by OAM Industries India Pvt. Ltd. (Haldirams), the air-conditioned restaurant boasts a fine-dining experience, accommodating 40 patrons with 10 tables.
The restaurant’s interior ambiance is carefully designed to provide a healthy dining experience for both passengers and the public. A takeaway counter ensures swift service for passengers catching their trains, and online food ordering apps facilitate convenient ordering. The menu includes a variety of offerings such as Raj Kachori, Chola Bhatura, Pau Bhaji, Veg Thali, combos, South Indian and North Indian cuisines, Pack Sweets and Namkeens, Chaats, Beverages, Softy, and traditional Indian Sweets.
This initiative is expected to generate significant revenue of Rs 60,00,000/- per annum for the Railways while providing quality food services to the passengers and residents of Pune city. Notably, Chinchwad station on Pune division is already benefiting from a Restaurant on Wheels, with plans for similar establishments at Akurdi, Baramati, and Miraj stations currently underway.
