Train passengers carry home-cooked meal amid fear of catering suspension

Patna: Amid fears of a possible disruption in onboard catering services due to a LPG shortage triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict, several long-distance train passengers travelling from Bihar have begun carrying home-cooked food as a precaution. The apprehension, driven by uncertainty over LPG supplies for pantry cars, has been observed at major stations under the East Central Railway, including Patna Junction and Danapur.

“We have packed food for our journey because we heard that LPG cylinders are in short supply and train meals may not be available,” said Rahul Kumar and Jitendra, who were travelling by Sampoorna Kranti Express from Patna to New Delhi on Thursday. Similar concerns were echoed by passengers headed to Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru from Patna and Danapur stations.

Passengers’ anxiety has followed reports of strain on LPG supply chains due to the escalating conflict in West Asia, a key region for global energy supplies. “Although the govt has not announced any major disruption in domestic LPG availability, the uncertainty has prompted precautionary behaviour among several railway passengers,” said Priyadarshi Kumar, who was travelling to Pune from Danapur on Thursday.

However, a Patna-based IRCTC official said the organisation has sought to reassure passengers that onboard meal services will continue without interruption. He added that IRCTC has advised its base kitchens and cooking units to keep alternative fuel arrangements ready to ensure catering services remain unaffected.

Despite these assurances, many passengers appeared unwilling to take chances. Vendors at major railway stations such as Patna Junction and Danapur reported an increase in demand for packaged food items, while many families travelling long distances preferred to rely on home-prepared meals. Sources said IRCTC remains committed to maintaining onboard catering services and has urged passengers not to panic.