Stop Overcharging! New T-Shirt Rule for Train Catering Staff
Indian Railways mandates branded T-shirts for catering staff to stop overcharging and improve accountability. Learn how to report vendors.
Indian Railways has introduced a significant new measure to protect passengers from being overcharged by catering staff. To enhance accountability and service quality, a new branding initiative has been launched, requiring catering personnel to wear specific uniforms that make them easily identifiable.
Mandatory Branding for Catering Staff
Under this new rule, all catering staff operating on trains must wear T-shirts that clearly display their company name, service provider details, and a contact mobile number. This initiative is currently being rolled out as a pilot program across 11 trains.
The move comes as a direct response to frequent passenger grievances regarding substandard food services and vendors selling items at prices exceeding the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). By ensuring staff are clearly branded, the Railways aims to empower passengers to identify authorized personnel and report misconduct immediately.
How to Report Overcharging and Poor Service
Passengers who encounter vendors charging more than the MRP or providing unsatisfactory service are encouraged to use the following official grievance channels:
- 139 Helpline: For immediate assistance and reporting.
- RailMadad Portal: For lodging formal complaints online.
The Railways has warned that substantiated complaints will lead to strict action. Passengers may receive refunds for the excess amount paid, while vendors face heavy penalties, including fines or the cancellation of their service licenses.
Strengthening Security and Compliance
This branding requirement works alongside existing digital security measures. Vendors are required to carry QR code-enabled identity cards, which allow for the instant verification of their credentials, medical fitness, and police clearance status.
Furthermore, Indian Railways continues to enforce Section 144 of the Railways Act, 1989, which strictly prohibits unauthorized vending on trains and within railway premises. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and commercial inspectors are tasked with conducting regular inspections to ensure that only officially vetted and authorized vendors are operating on the rail network.