The Railway Board has made a proposal to serve only vegetarian food on its trains on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The board feels the proposal should be implemented this year, in 2019 and 2020, The Times of India reported, citing an unidentified senior official.
“October 2, 2018, 2019, 2020 can also be celebrated as a totally vegetarian day when no non-vegetarian food will be served anywhere on Indian Railways premises,” the Railway Board said in a circular to all zones last month, according to PTI. “All the railway staff will be requested to observe the day as Vegetarian Day.”
However, the proposal is subject to approval by the Union Ministry of Culture.
The Indian Railways also plans to run several trains, including a special “salt rake”, from Sabarmati in Gujarat to several parts of the country on March 12, 2019, to commemorate the anniversary of Gandhi’s salt satyagraha, which took place in 1930, PTI reported.
The railways will also issue tickets with Gandhi’s watermark on them. Stations and administrative buildings at district as well as zonal headquarters of the Railways may be decorated with Gandhi’s murals on March 12.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!