An old train coach converted into restaurant. (Photo Courtesy: CPRO NFR)
43 locations over NFR selected for the initiative
Guwahati, September 13 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has initiated converting of old train coaches, which are not fit for use, by modifying them into restaurants and has already opened one such coach restaurant in Katihar, informed an official release.
Another coach restaurant is also ready to make operational at New Jalpaiguri station area and works for setting up of 15 more such coach restaurants at various locations over the five divisions have also been finalised, it said.
The old coaches of Indian Railways are being pulled out from service with the proliferation of LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches, and being utilised for such restaurants, added the release from NFR CPRO Sabyasachi De.
Setting up of two coach restaurants in Darjeeling and Jogbani of Katihar division have also been finalised.
In Alipurduar division, finalisation have be made for seven coach restaurants, one each at New Coochbehar, New Alipurduar, Madarihat, Lataguri, Chalsa, Raja Bhat Khawa and New Mal.
Other finalised stations for setting up coach restaurants include Rangiya and Rangapara North of Rangiya division; 3 in Lumding division - 2 in Guwahati and 1 in Diphu; and 1 coach restaurant at New Tinsukia of Tinsukia division.
Moreover, 43 locations over NFR have been selected for introducing such coach restaurants, the release said.
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.
The restaurants are being designed with aesthetic and beautifully heritage look for attraction of travellers and have facilities to buy food, snacks and beverages, it said.
Apart from generating non-fare revenue for railways, this initiative is expected to create employment for both skilled and unskilled workers, it added.
