Train coach restaurant opens in Payyanur; 50 people can dine in AC coach

Payyanur: Kerala’s first restaurant set up inside a train coach has opened in Payyanur. Named ‘Juju Express’, the restaurant was inaugurated on Thursday at a special track in front of Payyanur railway station. The project is being implemented by Payyanur-based entrepreneurs Harikrishnan, Sajid Kanayi, Satheesan Payyanur and Jasla in association with the Juju Hotel Group.

The interiors have been designed while retaining the original character of a train coach. The AC coach has dining space for 50 people, while another 40 can be accommodated outside. A platform has also been built alongside the coach.

Customers can enter the restaurant from the platform, which also has seating arrangements. The menu includes traditional local food as well as Chinese and North Indian dishes. There is a separate counter for pani puri, along with tea and juice corners.

Food can also be delivered to trains if ordered online through the IRCTC app.

The restaurant will operate 24 hours a day. The Railways has awarded the contract to operate the restaurant for 5 years, with annual rent to be paid for the coach. An old AC coach manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory has been used for the restaurant.

Apart from Payyanur, coach restaurants are also being set up at Palakkad Town and Kozhikode railway stations under the Palakkad division. Old railway coaches are being converted into restaurants.