Indian Railways’ big upgrade: McDonald’s, KFC, Haldiram’s may soon arrive at stations
Indian Railways is preparing to roll out Premium Brand Catering Outlets, paving the way for major food chains such as McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Baskin Robbins, Bikanerwala and Haldiram’s to operate at railway stations nationwide. The move follows an amendment to the Railway Board’s catering policy and a proposal originally raised by the South Central Railway.
Premium brands get a policy green light
In a circular issued on 13 November 2025, the Railway Board informed all zonal authorities that well-known single-brand food outlets may soon be permitted at stations, provided they meet the demand and space requirements. These outlets can be company-run or operated through franchisees, but selection will take place only via the existing e-auction system.
Under the amended guidelines, a new category – Premium Brand Catering Outlet – has been added to the Indian Railways Catering Policy, 2017. Until now, stations were limited to three types of stalls serving beverages and light snacks.
Officials emphasised that no outlet would be allotted on a nomination basis. As stated, allotment of the new category would be done as per governing e-auction policy in vogue by creating a dedicated segment for the purpose.
The tenure for each outlet will remain five years, consistent with the rules applied to other catering units, and the Minimum Licence Fee norms will continue as per current policy.
How the revised catering system will function
Railway zones have been instructed to evaluate factors such as passenger demand, available space and feasibility before approving single-brand outlets. The segments currently reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, freedom fighters and individuals displaced by railway land acquisition will not be affected.
Officials noted that zones will prepare station-specific conditions for contracts based on operational needs. One official said zones “will carry out an assessment of demand, available space and how to implement it. They will formulate special conditions of contract as per the requirement,” according to a Times of India report.
The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) currently serves more than 10 lakh meals daily. The introduction of premium brands is expected to expand food choices significantly at high-traffic stations.
Modernisation drive behind the move
Allowing premium brands is aligned with the ongoing redevelopment of more than 1,200 stations across India, including major hubs in Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), stations are being redesigned with layouts inspired by local culture, architecture and heritage – creating new commercial spaces suitable for branded outlets.
Indian Railways, which transports roughly 2.3 crore passengers each day, sees rising demand for organised food services as infrastructure upgrades continue across the network.