Jamshedpur: If sources are to be believed, the launch of GST regime is likely to make the food and snacks served in the canteens, restaurants and trains costlier. New rates will be fixed by the IRCTC. The implementation of new rates will be supervised by the IRCTC officials. Railway�s commercial department officials will keep an eye on the Jan Aahar canteen, restaurants and food stalls at the railway stations. They will also have to conduct surprise inspections in railway pantry cars every week, sources said.
Sources said initially a difference of Rs 5 to Rs 10 may creep into the prices of food provided at the railway station as well as in trains. The new rates will be based on the review conducted by the IRCTC officials and the Railway department so that the passengers do not have to pay exorbitant amounts and contractors do not exploit them on their whim and fancy. The GST number of South Eastern Railway zone has been provided in every reserved and current ticket centre of all railway stations including Tatanagar. The train ticket examiners have also been apprised of the GST number of the railway zone so that problems do not arise during electronic funds transfer in other states, sources said.
In this connection, the senior DCM of Chakradharpur division, Bhaskar, convened a meeting of chief ticket inspectors of Tatanagar, Rourkela, Chaibasa and other stations on Tuesday last and informed them of the provisions regarding GST.