New Delhi, Dec. 9 -- Indian Railways is preparing for one of its biggest shifts in decades: opening its 7,000-plus stations-through which 3.5 crore passengers move every day-to national quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains for the first time. A recent change in IRCTC's catering rules has created a new category of "Premium Brand Catering Outlets," allowing large QSR chains to bid for space through e-auctions rather than rely on the traditional, small-vendor-dominated system.

The move signals a strategic reimagining of stations as commercial assets, not just transit points. For the Railways, branded outlets promise higher non-fare revenue and a cleaner, more standardized passenger experience. For QSR chains grappling with a 12-18 month de...