In a first, IRCTC has deployed an automatic tab operated food vending machine in Uday Express train that runs between Bangalore and Coimbatore. The various food items available in the food vending machine include biscuits, chips and other aerated drinks, canned juices etc.

The machines have been installed in the dining cum mini-pantry area of three coaches on the new double decker train that has been lately introduced in view of the comfort sought by the business class travellers. The train takes around 7 hours to reach Bengaluru from its source station Coimbatore.

After the passenger on board Uday Express places order via the tab, food items ranging from quick to eat snacks to beverages can be purchased. Initially, cash payment will only be accepted, but in future cashless transactions will also be accepted. The process is quiet simple and after the passenger selects the available food items and adds them to his cart and payment is made, the machine automatically dispenses the article. In case of beverages such as tea and coffee, it is dispensed from the left-hand side of the unit.

Also, a similar kind of automatic vending machine is deployed in all AC 3-tier Humsafar Express trains but they dispense only beverages.

It is to be noted that the facility of food vending machine could be introduced in the new Uday Express train as it is a double decker AC chair car train and hence does not have space constraint.

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