Passengers travelling on Mumbai–Goa Tejas Express services will receive ukadiche modak as prasad during Ganeshotsav, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced.
The offering will be available on train numbers 22119, which runs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Madgaon, and 22120, which operates from Madgaon to CSMT. The distribution has been planned for the festival period beginning with Ganesh idol installation on September 14.
IRCTC said the initiative is intended to provide passengers with a taste of the region’s traditional food culture during the journey. Gaurav Jha, group general manager of IRCTC’s western region, confirmed that ukadiche modak would be distributed to passengers travelling on the Tejas Express during Ganeshotsav.
The announcement comes as Central and Western Railways prepare additional services for the festival period. A large number of passengers from Mumbai travel towards Konkan during Ganeshotsav, and special trains have been planned to meet the seasonal demand. The source report said that bookings for several festival services have already been made in large numbers.
IRCTC has also begun inspections of catering facilities at railway stations and on trains ahead of the festival. The inspections cover food-service counters, kitchens and other catering operations. The campaign is expected to continue during Ganeshotsav, alongside action against vendors found violating prescribed rules.
Catering staff serving food at stations and on trains are required to carry valid identity cards with QR codes and wear the prescribed uniform. IRCTC has said that food quality, hygiene and service standards must be maintained, and that regular as well as surprise inspections are being conducted.
Officials said only authorised personnel would be permitted to provide catering services. Service providers found violating the rules may face penal and corrective action under contract conditions and applicable regulations.
