On menu for Games: ‘World class' catering

“World class” catering will greet the athletes, officials and the work force during the Commonwealth Games here in October. The facilities would be in place by September 16 at the Games Village and the venues.

Announcing this on Saturday, Organising Committee (OC) Special Director-General Jiji Thompson said the “installation work is in progress” and will meet “international standards” befitting the event.

Mr. Thompson, who was associated with the 1987 National Games, expressed confidence about the OC “delivering” the desired facilities at the Village and the venues. The contract has been given to Delaware North Company Australia Pty Ltd and PKL London.

Mr. Thompson and OC Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Sanjeev Mittal took pains to explain the criteria employed in the selection of the caterers. “They are top class firms and have handled the catering at the 2008 Beijing Olympics,” said Mr. Mittal.

Initial bid scrapped

Explaining the bid process, Mr. Mittal noted, “We had to scrap the initial bid because the cost was coming to Rs. 800 per person. We thought it was not right to spend so much on food. We negotiated with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) but it did not understand our requirement. By the time IRCTC responded it was too late and their prices were not acceptable to us. The price is now coming to Rs. 450-750 per person (at lounges) and Rs. 120 per person (work force).” The work force consists of nearly 40,000 comprises officials, volunteers and security personnel.

“We have had to make certain adjustments because of the cost factor but there will be no compromise on quality and variety of food,” assured Mr. Thompson. The Games Village is equipped to cater to 3,600 people in three shifts while the dining area can accommodate 2,300 to 2,700 people at a time.

“The air-conditioned kitc-hen will be functional from September 16 and the main dining area will operate 24 hours. We will have six lounges at every venue and the Village Bar will be located in the international zone of the Village,” Mr. Mittal added.