Jamshedpur, Jan 9: The Food Track restaurant on platform number one of Tatanagar railway station, which has been closed since December 18, will reopen on January 10. The decision to resume operations was directed by IRCTC Eastern Zone Group General Manager Manoj Kumar Singh, following earlier instructions from Chakradharpur Division Senior DCM Aditya Chaudhary to complete preparations by January 9.
On Tuesday, Tatanagar’s commercial workers inspected the reopening arrangements. Restaurant manager Mahendra Singh confirmed that all necessary resources and staff are being organized, ensuring passengers will have access to the restaurant starting January 10.
The restaurant was shut down after IRCTC ordered its closure for failing to clear dues of ₹1.17 crore despite multiple notices. The closure left over 40,000 daily passengers trains without food options at the station.
Earlier, other food outlets, including Krishna Food Plaza and Jan Aahar Canteen, had ceased operations in January and October, respectively, due to expired contracts.
Meawnhile, the prolonged closure drew public attention after Congress leader Anup Mishra raised the issue on X, tagging Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Mishra urged immediate action to reopen all closed restaurants. The matter prompted action from the Railway Ministry, leading to explanations from officials of Chakradharpur Railway Division and steps to reconnect electricity and reopen the restaurant.
Social organizations in Jamshedpur also demanded swift action, resulting in IRCTC initiating efforts to restore services. Another food plaza, closed since October, has already resumed operations under a new agency from Itarsi.
Passengers and social activists have welcomed the reopening, hoping for consistent services at the model station of the South Eastern Railway Zone.
