The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a massive enforcement drive to improve passenger safety and hygiene standards across the rail network. In a significant crackdown on unauthorized vendors, officials have successfully confiscated over 8,349 unapproved packaged drinking water bottles. This campaign aims to eliminate the sale of substandard beverages and ensure that only IRCTC-approved products are available to travelers on trains and station premises.
Key highlights of the enforcement operations include:
- 5,241 unauthorized water bottles were seized from 117 trains in the Lucknow region between July 28 and August 8, 2026.
- 3,108 bottles were confiscated from 51 trains in the Chandigarh region.
- Surprise inspections at Ambala on August 10, 2026, resulted in the seizure of 13 cartons of ice cream and flavored milk.
- Special enforcement drives were conducted at key locations including Sabarmati BG and Howrah stations.
Enhanced Surveillance and QRT Deployment
To maintain strict oversight, IRCTC has mobilized Quick Response Teams (QRTs) across all railway zones. These teams are working in close coordination with the commercial department of Indian Railways to conduct surprise checks. Between August 8 and 14, 2026, intensive inspections were carried out in major transit hubs such as Guwahati, Kamakhya, Agartala, Katihar, New Jalpaiguri, and Dibrugarh. The primary focus of these teams is to identify and curb instances of overcharging, hygiene violations, and the storage of unapproved food stock.
Strict Warning to Service Providers
IRCTC has issued a firm warning to all catering service providers operating on the network. The corporation has made it clear that any non-compliance with licensing terms, particularly concerning the loading or sale of unauthorized items, will attract immediate penal action.
This ongoing inspection campaign is part of a broader commitment by the national transporter to ensure that passengers receive only safe, hygienic, and quality food services. Officials have confirmed that these surprise checks will continue indefinitely to uphold the highest standards of passenger experience and safety across the entire Indian Railways network.