McDonald’s, KFC & Haldiram’s Coming to Railway Stations | Big Boost for Indian Tourism

McDonald’s, KFC & Haldiram’s Coming Soon to Indian Railways 

Indian tourism is set for a major upgrade as Indian Railways introduces a new category of “Premium Brand Catering Outlets,” paving the way for iconic food brands like McDonald’s, KFC, and Haldiram’s to open at stations across the country.

For tourists—domestic and international—this means cleaner food options, familiar brands, and a significantly improved travel experience across India’s rapidly modernizing railway network.

How This Move Boosts Indian Tourism

1. More Comfort for Domestic & International Tourists

Travelers often hesitate to eat at unknown station stalls. With global brands arriving, tourists get:

• Hygienic, standardized meals

• Trusted quality

• Quick-service food during tight train schedules

This brings railway stations closer to airport-level services, enhancing India’s tourism infrastructure.

2. Better Experience at Redeveloped Tourist Hubs

Since over 1,200 stations are being modernized, premium food outlets will be introduced at:

• Major tourist gateways (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata)

• Spiritual tourism hubs (Varanasi, Tirupati, Shirdi, Haridwar)

• Heritage cities (Jaipur, Agra, Hyderabad)

A tourist arriving at these stations will instantly notice world-class changes.

3. Enhances Railway-Based Tourism

Many travelers rely on railways for sightseeing, pilgrimage, beach trips, and wildlife tourism.
With familiar brands available:

• Families feel safer dining at stations

• Group tours and foreign tourists prefer trains

• Layover and connecting-train passengers get better rest-stop options

This encourages more tourists to choose rail travel over road or air.

4. Elevates Stations as Tourist-Friendly Public Spaces

Modern food courts and brand outlets often become:

• Meeting points

• Waiting lounges

• Tourist rest zones

This helps make railway stations cleaner, safer, and more appealing to travelers. 

5. Boosts Local Tourism with More Footfall

Redeveloped stations with branded food zones naturally attract:

• Local visitors

• Students

• Shoppers

• Nearby travelers

This increased footfall helps promote surrounding attractions, markets, eateries, and local businesses.

What’s Included in the New Policy?

• Premium brand category introduced

• Outlets awarded via transparent e-auction

• Five-year operational contracts

• Brands may run outlets directly or through franchisees

• Focus on medium and large stations with high tourism potential

This ensures proper quality control and sustained service for tourists.

Likely First Stations to Get These Brands

• Stations under redevelopment

• Major metro stations

• Tourist-heavy suburban stations

• Pilgrimage and heritage city stations

Outlets may appear soon in Mumbai’s Khar, Kandivali, and major junctions with high visitor movement.

Impact on India’s Tourism Image

The presence of global food brands at stations sends a strong message:
India is modernizing its travel infrastructure to world standards.

For backpackers, families, senior citizens, pilgrimage groups, international tourists, and adventure travelers—the availability of clean, quick, and reliable food transforms the overall railway travel experience.

Conclusion

The introduction of premium food brands at railway stations is more than a culinary upgrade—it is a tourism revolution. As India continues redeveloping stations and improving rail connectivity, these branded outlets will offer travelers a sense of comfort, hygiene, and familiarity. This move brings Indian Railways closer to global standards, strengthening the country’s reputation as a welcoming and modern tourist destination.