MALIGAON: With the old railway coaches being pulled out of service, they were headed for a rusty end when the NF Railway, in a proactive measure turned some of these old coaches into glitzy restaurants, thus saving the coaches from being scrapped.
This unique move will not only generate income and employment but also teaches us a lesson on how to turn disadvantages into beautiful advantages.
These old coaches after getting a new look as restaurants will attract many food enthusiasts.
The NF Railway has set up seven such coach restaurants in Alipurduar Division one each in New Coochbehar, New Alipurduar, Madarihat, Lataguri, Chalsa, Raja Bhat Khawa, and New Malda. This includes setting up of coach restaurants in Rangiya and Rangapara North of Rangiya Division, three such coaches in Lumding division, two in Guwahati and one in Diphu, while another one in New Tinsukia of Tinsukia division is already finalized.
A total of 43 locations across N. F. Railway operations area have been selected for introducing such coach restaurants. Coach restaurants are being planned and works are under progress at 6 locations in Katihar, 8 in Alipurduar, 14 in Rangiya, 11 in Lumding, and 4 in Tinsukia divisions.
These coaches are air-conditioned and are designed to give them a heritage look which would provide a unique experience to the food enthusiasts.
These coach restaurants will not only generate non-fare revenue for railways but also will create employment for skilled and unskilled workers.
A few months ago this year, in February, the Nagpur division of the Central Railway Zone also set up a first-of-its-kind 'Restaurant on Wheels' outside the Nagpur Railway Station in an open lot. The restaurant is being operated by the snacks giant Haldiram's.
The restaurants planned in the 43 locations over N.F. railway are expected to bring in non-fare revenue worth more than 4 crores, as per reports.
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