Western Railway Hikes Food Prices By Upto 20% At Station Canteens; Millet Dishes And Combos Now Costlier

Mumbai: Passengers traveling via Western Railway will now have to spend more on snacks and meals at station canteens, as authorities have implemented a price hike of up to 20 percent on a wide range of food items. The revised rates, which came into effect on July 1st, 2025, are now applicable at all canteens and stalls on platforms under the jurisdiction of Western Railway.

Among the major changes, traditional snacks like a single Potato Vada, Samosa, and Sabudana Vada are now priced at Rs 15 each. Other favorites, such as 100 grams of Khaman or Dhokla served with tomato ketchup, are available at Rs 25, while popular meal combos like Chole Rice (320 grams) and Stuffed Paratha with curd and pickle (315 grams) are now being sold at Rs 40.

Similarly, Millet Thepla (100 grams) is available at Rs 100, Millet Chakli (100 grams) at Rs 75, Millet Poha (100 grams) at Rs 100, Millet Cookies at Rs 25, and Mobile Khakhra at Rs 75. These items reflect a growing trend toward healthier and regional food options.

Other updates in the revised à-la-carte menu include Dabeli (80 grams) at Rs 20, Sev Puri (6 pieces, 150 grams) at Rs 45, Veg Hot Dog (65 grams) at Rs 35, and Cheese or Paneer Rolls (90 grams) at Rs 50. Grilled Sandwiches (180 grams) are now sold at Rs 80, while a glass of Fresh Mixed Vegetable Juice (200 ml) is priced at Rs 30. For Ragda Pattice (125 grams) passengers needs to Rs 45.

Apart from these menu changes, a circular issued on Tuesday stated that all pre-packaged items sold onboard must match the weight and Maximum Retail Price (MRP) approved by the Zonal Railway. Prior approval from zonal authorities is now mandatory before selling any branded packaged food products.

According to railway officials, the decision to revise prices was driven by increasing input costs, including those of raw materials, packaging, and labor. The new pricing also comes with standardized portion sizes and weight specifications to ensure consistency and transparency for passengers.

"The revised à-la-carte list reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to offering hygienic, affordable, and diverse food options to passengers, with an increased focus on local tastes and health-oriented ingredients. This move is also aligned with the government's larger push toward millet consumption as part of the International Year of Millets," said a senior Western Railway official.