The Citizens Voice Club in Coimbatore has requested the Raliways Minister to roll back the mandatory food charges included in the ticket for the Shadabthi Express from Coimbatore to Chennai.

The club, which has been taking up consumer issues, feels the charge of Rs 299 plus taxes adds to the burden. For vegetarians, it is Rs 199 plus taxes.

“It is surprising to note why passengers are made to pay for food items and this compulsion is an unfair trade practice,” club president CM Jayaraman said in a statement, adding that it was waste of public money.

He pointed out that there were already protests against the high charges as also the quality of food served by IRCTC on trains in the North.

He called for removal of the compulsory food charges which would result in lower and attractive ticket rates.