THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA, April 26, 2007: If Indian Railways has its way idlis and dosas may be on the way out from railway cuisine. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC ) is planning to introduce a new system to create uniformity in its catering service across the country. As per the plan, only 21 approved food items will be served on trains – a move that South Indian rail passengers feel is in bad taste.
The IRCTC has decided to remove the south Indian delicacies from the menu, initially on a pilot basis for three months. “People from different regions have different food habits, and there has to be some consideration for that and meals have to be given accordingly,” said Dr Sivam, IT Consultant.
The IRCTC used to have more than one hundred items on its menu. Nevertheless, to bring uniformity, it has approved a new menu with 21 items. Noodles, vegetable burger and assorted pakoras are what are now available for the passengers. “Everyone must be given his or her food of choice. If you give only North Indian food, it is like forcing you to have that food,” said passenger Ravindran Nair. To deprive the South Indian of his idlis and dosas is tantamount to a cultural onslaught. If the Indian Railways goes ahead with its decision, it should be prepared to face stiff resistance from down south.