Patna: Sonepur division of the East Central Railway (ECR) is set to inaugurate a unique “coach restaurant” at Barauni Junction next week, catering to the dining needs of passengers travelling to or visiting the station.
Divisional railway manager (DRM) Vivek Bhushan Sood said the railways would reuse an abandoned coach for this purpose.
“The coach restaurant at Barauni will offer breakfast, lunch, and other culinary items at affordable prices,” the DRM said.
“An agency has been selected to manage operations, ensuring a homely ambience for passengers inside the coach,” he added.
Expected to accommodate up to 52 people at once, the coach restaurant aims to fill the gap in dining options around Barauni Junction. “This initiative is expected to generate an additional annual revenue of Rs 9 lakh,” the DRM said.
Cleanliness, quality meals, and 24×7 service are highlighted as the main attractions of the Barauni coach restaurant.
Contracts have also been awarded for similar coach restaurants at Hajipur, Begusarai, and Khagaria stations, scheduled to commence operations within a month.
Senior divisional commercial manager Raushan Kumar said restaurants themed as “Palace on Wheels” would be set up at Muzaffarpur, Naughachia, Sonepur, Mansi, and Shahpur Patori stations within two months.
“These restaurants will offer diverse flavours in a rail-coach setting, reminiscent of ‘meals on wheels’,” he added.
“An AC coach has been transformed into a cozy restaurant that will operate round the clock,” Kumar said, adding the railways has planned to allocate addtional space near the coach restaurant for recreation of children.

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