Second Rail Coach restaurant commissioned at Thanjavur Junction

The second Rail Coach restaurant in Tiruchi Railway Division was commissioned on Friday (February 20, 2026), at the Thanjavur railway junction to provide a unique and pleasant dining experience to rail travellers and the general public.

Divisional Railway Manager, Tiruchi, Balak Ram Negi inaugurated the Rail Coach restaurant in the presence of senior divisional officers and staff. An old rail coach that had completed its codal life was transformed into the restaurant, offering only vegetarian cuisine.

The interiors of the old coach have been aesthetically redesigned with a heritage look and equipped with air-conditioning units to ensure a comfortable dining experience. The contract to operate the Rail Coach restaurant at Thanjavur has been awarded to a private agency for a period of five years.

The initiative will generate substantial non-fare revenue for the Railways. The first Rail Coach restaurant in the Tiruchi Division was opened near the Tiruchi railway junction in October 2024. Work on two more Rail Coach restaurants – one each at Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam – is currently under progress. Similar coach restaurant contracts are planned to be awarded at major stations such as Villupuram and Tiruchi Fort in the Division.

The Rail Coach restaurant initiative is part of Southern Railway’s continued efforts to provide enhanced amenities and facilities to passengers. The Tiruchi Division has undertaken several innovative measures as part of its non-fare revenue generation initiatives. These include the provision of digi-lockers, premium brand outlets, stationery outlets, florists, and toy and gift shops, a press release from the Division said.