Chandigarh, Oct 22 (IANS): The Indian Railways will provide special meals on demand for diabetic and ailing passengers travelling on Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains.

This was stated in a communique from the railway ministry to Jagat Prakash Nadda, Rajya Sabha member of parliament (MP) from Himachal Pradesh.

Nadda had in February written to the railway minister seeking provision of special meals for travellers suffering from diabetes or cardio-vascular disease (CVD). He raised the issue through a question in the Rajya Sabha in August.

He was told that necessary guidelines have been issued to all railway zones to provide special meals on demand to diabetic and ailing passengers travelling on these trains.

The ministry said Jain food will also be provided on demand.

In a communication to the MP, railways executive director-health S.K. Sabharwal said instructions for provision of the special meals have been issued to all concerned.

Director-traffic and commercial K.P. Yadav has directed chief commercial managers of all zonal railways that punitive action would be initiated against the concerned officials if special meals are not served.

"Diabetic and CVD passengers are served butter, sugar, jam and pickle that they cannot consume, resulting in food wastage. Special meals on demand will help such passengers," Nadda told IANS.