Pune Station: The Pune station division commercial department has served notice to all food vendors on platforms and circulating areas of Pune railway station, alerting them not to engage in cooking activities using gas cylinders with immediate effect.
The decision comes with the effect of a recent fire incident at the “Jan Aahar” canteen in Lokmanya Tilak Terminus railway station.
The notice permits cooking through electrical appliances only at non-suburban railway stations.
This directive is implemented across all suburban stations from Pune to Malavli railway stations.
Safety measure after Jan Aahar Canteen Incident
As per The Indian Express report, the Pune Station Division has directed all licensed food establishments including food plazas, fast food units, Jan Aahar canteens, refreshment rooms, milk stalls, and tea stalls to halt cooking activities on platforms.
However, owners of private food stalls and hotels on the platform argue for the decision that authorities should provide alternative arrangements.
The rules are applied to hotels and restaurants within ISRTC jurisdiction, with the exception of restaurants having separate kitchens that are significantly away from the platforms.
The Food Express Services manager confirmed that they have received notice regarding the ban on cooking within the platform areas. They strictly comply to safety measures with safety measures with a separate kitchen base for cooking.
Siddhivinayak Food Services owner noted that their hotel has a separate arrangement for cooking food which is at a safe distance from the platform.
Impact only on Food Stalls Operating at Platforms
President of the Railway Pravasi Manch Harsha Sha criticized the ban as unnecessary and potentially inconvenient for passengers.
Harsha Shah argued that safety measures should be addressed. Ban on cooking activities would only add to the passenger’s discomfort.
Stations Affected by the Ban Include 14 Stations:
- Pune
- Shivaji Nagar
- Khadki
- Dapodi
- Kasarwadi
- Pimpri
- Chinchwad
- Akurdi
- Dehu Road
- Begdewadi
- Talegaon
- Vadgaon
- Kamshet
- Malavli
For Live Train Running Status: NTES
pic credit: punekarnews.in