Vande Bharat Express trains to offer better passenger experience with Indian Railways new plan; details here

Vande Bharat trains update: Indian Railways is implementing a new initiative called Yatri Seva Anubandh to enhance the passenger experienceon Vande Bharat trains while also reducing costs. The pilot project for six pairs of Vande Bharat trains is set to begin, and if successful, it will be expanded to other premium trains, according to an ET report.This initiative aims to offer passengers more options for food and beverages and improve travel convenience through value-added services.
In addition to enhancing the passenger experience, the initiative for Vande Bharat Express trains also intends to reduce Indian Railways’ expenditure on housekeeping by integrating services under one provider per train. This integration will also grant the service provider access to revenue streams like advertising within the trains and the provision of ancillary services.
As part of the Yatri Seva Anubandh initiative, concierge services, onboard infotainment, and access to travel essentials and accessories will be introduced. The plan focuses on passenger-driven performance appraisal and holistic evaluation of service outcomes.

According to a senior official familiar with the plan, the service provider will be able to sell food and beverages to passengers at predetermined rates. Additionally, the provider will be responsible for addressing minor issues like jammed doors, loose latches, and leaking taps using a basic toolkit.

“The service provider in these trains will be required to provide free housekeeping services in all coaches. Prepaid meals must be served according to the menu and tariffs set by Indian Railways,” stated the official.
Companies that are keen to participate in this Indian Railways’ initiative will compete based on the highest license fee they can offer to the national transporter. To ensure the quality of service, service providers must have a minimum annual gross revenue of Rs 120 crore and employ at least 900 individuals in food and beverage or housekeeping roles during the last financial year.

This move assumes significance as services such as catering, housekeeping, and advertising are currently awarded to individual contractors on premium trains like Tejas, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat. Under the new policy, all instructions from various stakeholder departments will be governed by fresh rules for Vande Bharat trains, including Environment and Housekeeping Management, Tourism and Catering, Telecom, Mechanical (Coaching), Passenger Marketing/Commercial, and Non-Fare Revenue.