A coach-themed restaurant, which is part of the Southern Railway’s ‘Food on Wheels’ initiative, is set to open at the Kozhikode railway station.

This follows similar projects being developed at Payyannur and Palakkad Town stations under the Palakkad Railway Division, as well as at the Mattanchery Halt station under the Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division. The project involves converting decommissioned train carriages into distinctive, air-conditioned dining spaces.

The Kozhikode venture is in its initial stages, with the contract awarded to a catering company based in Erode, for ₹36 lakh.

According to an official from the Palakkad Railway Division, the restaurant will be modelled on a successful coach-themed facility at the Chennai Central railway station, which was set up by the same firm.

Sources said a decommissioned coach would first be identified and presented to the firm for assessment. If it meets their requirements, it will be used for the project. Otherwise, an alternative carriage will be sourced from Chennai. The company will then undertake extensive modifications, including repainting and interior renovation.

Renovation and engineering works are under way at the Kozhikode station. Once completed, the construction of the restaurant will begin on a vacant plot near platform no. 1, close to Link Road.

The official said the project would cover an area of approximately 6,000 square feet. A decommissioned railway carriage will be refurbished and installed on a raised foundation alongside a newly constructed, platform-like structure. This layout is designed to recreate an authentic railway ambience while offering an outdoor dining option.

The initiative aims at generating non-fare revenue for the railway network while offering passengers and visitors a unique dining experience. In addition to the carriage-based dining area, the site will feature a kitchen, a parking lot, a bakery, and small retail stalls. It will also support online bookings and takeaway services.

“These facilities will be fully accessible to both rail passengers and the public,” the official said.

Similar coach-themed restaurants are also slated to open at Palakkad Town and Payyannur stations.