CHENNAI: Despite stern warning from the Commercial Department of Southern Railways, platform caterers continue to overcharge customers for food items at the Chennai Central.
This reporter found out that at least two caterers were selling breakfast items at prices higher than that mentioned on the rate cards displayed.
A plate of idli-vada, which consists of three idlis and one vada, was being sold for Rs 35, while the mandated selling price is Rs 24. A plate of two idlis, priced at Rs 12, was being sold for Rs 15. Rs 8 was demanded for a cup of coffee of 150 ml instead of the mandated Rs 7.
When one of the catering staff was asked about the difference in price, he said,“20 packets of egg biryani that were delivered to us yesterday were spoilt and we couldn’t sell it. So we have to offset those losses by over-pricing the idli-vadas, which are in demand. However, Priyamvada Viswanathan, Chief Commercial Manager (Passenger Services), Southern Railways made it clear that the products were actually subsidised and that the authorities would initiate strong action against the violators.