The South East Central Railway (SECR) Nagpur Division is set to open its first Rail Coach Restaurant (RCR) at Itwari Railway Station by the end of February 2025. Named ‘Haldiram Express,’ the restaurant will offer a rail-themed dining experience with a local cultural touch, similar to the one at Nagpur Railway Station.
Jogendra Metangale, assistant manager of OAM Industries Private Limited, confirmed that the SECR Nagpur Division has provided the coach, and the restaurant is expected to open in 45 days.
Itwari Station Revamp Under ABSS Nearly Complete
The redevelopment of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Itwari Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) is almost finished, with only a few tasks left, such as installing CCTV cameras. Dilip Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (SrDCM) of SECR Nagpur, confirmed that the renovation work, including upgrading the entry and exit gates, providing parking for two- and four-wheelers, and installing high-mast lights, is nearly done. The inauguration date, however, is still to be confirmed. The station is also undergoing extensive development by the MRIDC.
The new Rail Coach Restaurant (RCR) at the station will have seating for 40 customers and will be open 24/7 for passengers and the general public, according to Jogendra Metangale of OAM Industries.
Originally planned to open after Diwali, the launch of the Rail Coach Restaurant at Itwari Railway Station has been delayed due to issues in securing the rail coach, with the new completion expected in February. The tender for Rail Coach Restaurants at Itwari, Chhindwara, and Gondia stations under SECR’s Nagpur Division was issued in July. The contract for the Itwari station is for five years, with Haldiram set to pay approximately 20 lakh annually, plus 18% GST to SECR.
Aman Mittal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of CR Nagpur Division, stated that several parties have shown interest in operating a rail coach restaurant at Nagpur Station, but it will only open after the redevelopment work is completed. Additionally, the division plans to set up similar restaurants at six other stations, including Ajni, Wardha, Amla, Betul, Chandrapur, and Ballarshah. However, due to a lack of interested operators, the process has been delayed, and the tender is being re-issued.