The much-anticipated Rail Coach restaurants at Bengaluru railway stations are expected to become operational by the end of March, according to railway officials.
The themed coach restaurants will be set up at Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Station in Majestic and Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal in Baiyappanahalli (SMVT).
A South Western Railways (SWR) official said, “The June 2023 e-auction for restaurants has attracted considerable interest from bidders. M/s Haldirams took care of the operation of the restaurant at KSR station, while Gaurav Enterprises took care of the SMVT. The contract extends over five years.
An empty coach to set up the railway coach themed restaurant at Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna station in Majestic. File photo | Photo credit: Murali Kumar K.
SWR has already opened a coach themed restaurant at Sri Siddharoodha Swami railway station in Hubballi. The coach restaurant is called “Bogie Bogie”.
“Similar to the one in Hubli-Dharwad, the coach restaurant will use a railway wagon, which will be modified to suit the tastes of cuisine connoisseurs,” the official said.
The coach restaurant “Bogie Bogie” at Sri Siddharoodha Swami railway station in Hubballi. For now, SWR plans to open only one such restaurant at each station and will operate 24/7. | Photo credit: KIRAN BAKALE
Air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned seats
The earlier deadline to start the themed coach restaurants was October 2023. According to officials, the coach restaurants will be located near the main entrance of the stations and will have air-conditioned dining areas. Additionally, non-air-conditioned seating will be available outside the dining room. The renovated railway car will feature paintings, warm lighting and comfortable seats.
For the moment, the SWR plans to open only one restaurant of this type in each station. According to the plan, selected bidders will be allocated an empty coach to be transformed into a themed restaurant, operating 24/7.
SWR aims to cater to the preferences of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian consumers by incorporating separate kitchens for each. The restaurants will offer a varied menu including North and South Indian delicacies, providing seating for 50 people inside the coach restaurant and additional seating outside, the official said.
