Kolkata, Nov 21 Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee's dream project to provide hygienic and tasty food to passengers at subsidised rates came true on Friday.

Named Jan Ahaar (commoners' meal), was formally launched at Howrah Station here.an Ahaar, a self-service cafeteria, provides snacks and meals at affordable prices, ranging from rupees 3 to 38 rupees.

"The Railway Minister in her budget speech had announced the opening of Jan Ahaars. These would be cafeterias spread across the country where affordable meals would be available. The focus of these cafeterias is four things - quality, service, cleanliness and value," said Derek O'Brien, Chairman, Passenger Services Committee, Howrah Railway Station.

The cafeteria at Howrah Station will provide 'Jan Meal' and 'Economy Meal'.On an average, a filling meal would cost around rupees 20.

A plate of fish and rice meal is priced at 35 rupees while a chicken and rice meal will cost 38 rupees.

For 19 rupees, passengers can avail Rice-Dal-Achaar. The non-rice eaters can opt for seven Puris and Sabji for just 10 rupees.

The passengers expressed their happiness at this novel Jan Ahaar concept. They said that besides the bona-fide passengers, these Jan Ahaar cafeterias would be a boon for the poor persons such as the porters.

Initially, the Jan Ahaar at Howrah will remain open from 6'o clock in the morning till 10 in the night. By Ajitha Menon (ANI)