Major fast-food and quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands, including India’s own Haldiram’s and Wow! Momo is planning to expand into railway station outlets, where they expect strong returns on investment (ROI) and accelerated growth due to massive daily footfall, according to industry reports. This move comes as part of a broader push to modernise food services at transit hubs and capitalise on under-tapped consumer demand.
Following recent amendments to catering policies, Indian Railways is now allowing established food and beverage brands, both international and domestic, to open premium outlets at stations across the country. The government plans to award these spaces through e-auctions, offering five-year licenses that can be used for either company-owned or franchise-run food counters.
Industry executives believe that railway stations may outpace even airports in terms of sales potential, due to the sheer scale of foot traffic, with millions of passengers passing through major stations every day. This volume-driven volume model could help brands achieve strong ROI even with lower individual order values than premium airport locations.
Domestic leaders like Haldiram’s, a heritage brand known for snacks and quick bites, view this as a significant market opportunity to expand retail footprints and deepen engagement with a broader consumer base. Haldiram’s has already been actively pursuing larger retail and foodservice initiatives in recent years.
Similarly, Wow! Momo, which has rapidly grown its network with fresh outlets and diversified formats across India, is well positioned to leverage station presence to boost visibility and convenience for travellers. The brand’s strong growth across cities underscores how QSR chains are increasingly seeking underserved high-footfall spaces.
The decision to open railway stations to branded food outlets aligns with government efforts to enhance passenger amenities and modernise transit spaces. Stations in major cities, including planned implementations at hubs like Pune Junction, are expected to feature a mix of local favourites and popular snack brands, offering everything from momos and burgers to ice creams.
