Maligaon, March 1 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has strengthened its innovative Rail Coach Restaurant initiative across the zone, with 14 themed restaurants currently operational at major locations, officials said on Sunday.
These distinctive railway-themed dining facilities are serving passengers and visitors at Katihar and Jogbani, Raiganj, Darjeeling, Malda Court, New Cooch Behar, Raja Bhatkhawa, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri Road and New Mal, as well as Guwahati, Uzanbazar, Kokrajhar and New Tinsukia. Officials said the growing popularity of these outlets reflects NFR’s commitment to enhancing passenger amenities through creative and sustainable initiatives.
Further advancing the concept, NFR has awarded a five-year contract for the operation of a Rail Coach Restaurant at Raiganj Railway Station under Katihar Division. The move is aimed at strengthening passenger facilities while promoting sustainable non-fare revenue generation for the Railways.
The proposed Rail Coach Restaurant at Raiganj is envisioned as a unique railway-themed dining destination, developed from a refurbished and decommissioned railway coach. Designed to blend nostalgic railway charm with modern hospitality standards, the facility will cater not only to rail passengers but also to local residents and visitors, positioning it as an inclusive dining hub in the region.
The initiative forms part of NFR’s broader vision to creatively utilise decommissioned railway coaches by transforming them into aesthetically appealing restaurants while preserving railway heritage. Across the zone, the Rail Coach Restaurants have earned appreciation for their distinctive ambience, quality food offerings and customer-friendly service.
Officials said the initiative is expected to significantly enhance passenger amenities and create employment opportunities, contributing to local economic growth and community development. It also underscores NFR’s focus on innovation, sustainability and effective, passenger-centric utilisation of railway assets for long-term public benefit.
