IRCTC redeploys induction stoves on 1,400 trains as commercial LPG shortage hits onboard catering

Middle East-led LPG squeeze forces IRCTC to resume onboard cooking with induction stoves across LHB pantry cars, serving 1.7M meals daily. Catering EBIT margin slid to 6.3% from 10.4% on input cost inflation, with tariffs unrevised since 2019. 60% of cooking has shifted to electric; 341 trains still run without pantry capacity.

— Filed Tue, 9 Jun, 2026, 09:27 IST · Source Times of India · Business · Updated

Commercial LPG shortage from Middle East crisis forces IRCTC to resume onboard cooking using induction stoves across LHB pantry cars and stations. Catering EBIT margin fell to 6.3% from 10.4% on rising input costs; tariffs unrevised since 2019.