New Delhi, July 3 (ANI): All the zones in Indian Railways have been instructed to ensure availability of ‘Janata Khana’.

Presenting the Railway Budget for 2009-10 in the Lok Sabha today, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said that national and regional cuisines would be introduced in the catering by the Railways.

All railway zones have also been instructed to give priority to provision of good quality food, drinking water and toilet facilities and ensure cleanliness on trains and stations.

A comprehensive policy including strict monitoring mechanisms would be developed soon for achieving these objectives.

The Railways will also develop 375 ‘Adarsh Stations’ with basic facilities such as drinking water, adequate toilets, catering services, waiting rooms. These stations will also have dormitories especially for lady passengers, better signage and other basic facilities.

The Indian Railways has already identified 309 stations to be developed across the country. In addition, the Railways will extend a helping hand to the persons with physical disabilities and old age people. Standard ramps, earmarked parking lots, specially designed coaches in each mail and express train, lifts and escalators would be provided in a phased manner. (ANI)