At Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the commuter’s favourite snack may not be quite affordable anymore. Soon, the idli, vada pav or pav bhaji may pinch the pocket further with the departmental canteens let out to private parties by the railway authorities.

“As all the three canteens at the CST were in heavy loss, they were transferred to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. In month of April 2007, two canteens (except the canteen on second floor) were tendered to a private firm at the rate of Rs 76 lakh per annum,” a source in the railways said.

Last year, the losses at these canteens were estimated at Rs 1.15 crore. The third canteen which is at the second floor of the outstation building has been running for around 50 years. “Very soon this third canteen will also be tendered,” the source added.

As per the railway rules, after the establishment of IRCTC, all the catering work and stalls should be transferred to the corporation.

However, now the canteens are tendered to private parties.

“There is no problem if these are tendered to private parties, but the problem is the high rates which affect the pockets of commuters. After the departmental canteen at Churchgate was tendered to a private firm at the cost of food items soared. An idli and medu vada sambar are priced at Rs 20 each now whereas earlier they cost Rs 10 and Rs 9 respectively,” said Rajan K Sharma, a daily commuter.

These departmental canteens, especially the canteen at the suburban concourse hall, is quite popular for its cheap rates, and therefore, always full of commuters.