Indian Railways Adopts Firewood Cooking in Kerala Amid LPG Supply Crisis
In response to a severe commercial LPG shortage triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict, Indian Railways has initiated a significant operational shift in Kerala. On Wednesday, IRCTC's base kitchens and catering units across the state began utilizing traditional firewood methods to prepare meals, including those for the premium Vande Bharat trains. This contingency measure aims to prevent disruptions in onboard food services, ensuring passengers continue to receive meals despite the supply chain challenges.
Escalating LPG Shortage Impacts Railway Catering
The scarcity of commercial cylinders has started to affect kitchens at major railway stations where food is prepared for distribution on trains. Sources indicate that the shortage, exacerbated by the US-Israel war against Iran, threatened to halt meal supplies. To mitigate this, kitchens in locations like Kochi prepared a variety of meals using firewood on Wednesday, which were then loaded onto long-distance trains and reheated in pantry cars. This traditional approach has become a temporary but essential solution to maintain service continuity.
Vande Bharat Trains Prioritized in Contingency Plan
More than 1,500 packets of food are supplied daily on each of the two Vande Bharat trains operating in the region. A railway official emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, "We started using firewood as a contingency measure. It is critical to prevent a disruption in food supply to Vande Bharat trains, especially since passengers cannot easily purchase food from station vendors due to the trains' automatic doors." The move underscores the railways' commitment to passenger convenience amid external crises.
Broader Implications and Future Measures
Reports had suggested that IRCTC might temporarily suspend food supply if the LPG situation did not improve. However, railway officials are actively working to ensure availability not only on trains but also at restaurants and stalls within railway stations. This multifaceted strategy highlights efforts to cushion the impact of the Middle East crisis on India's rail services, with firewood cooking serving as a stopgap while long-term solutions are explored.
