Mathura Railway Station: Passengers overcharged for stale food and poor quality snacks
A recent inspection at Mathura Railway Station has revealed serious concerns regarding food safety and pricing standards. Members of the Zonal and Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committees found that vendors were selling samosas made with stale potatoes and poor quality pedas. These findings come as a major concern for the thousands of devotees and passengers who visit the station daily, as many stalls were also found charging more than the fixed rates for tea and water.
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What were the major issues found during the inspection?
The inspection team highlighted multiple irregularities that directly affect passenger welfare. Stale ingredients were being used in snacks, and the quality of the famous Mathura peda was found to be substandard. Passengers reported that they were being forced to pay extra for items with fixed MRPs. Beyond food quality, the team also pointed out gaps in station security and general cleanliness standards that require immediate intervention from the railway administration.
Recent enforcement actions by the authorities
The Food Safety Department and Railway officials have been active in taking action against such irregularities in the Mathura region. Several raids and inspections have been conducted recently to ensure food safety for the public.
| Date of Action | Location and Detail | Items Seized/Fined |
|---|---|---|
| April 14, 2026 | Govind Nagar Area | 97 kg Doda Barfi and 750 kg Sugar seized from illegal factory |
| March 30, 2026 | Vrindavan Area | 664 kg of contaminated Peda destroyed during special drive |
| September 2023 | Mathura Junction | 1 Lakh fine on vendor for overcharging and 10,000 for dirty toilets |
How are Railway officials responding to these complaints?
Railway officials from the Agra Division have stated that they perform surprise checks to maintain catering standards. DCM Prashasti Srivastava mentioned that heavy fines are imposed whenever irregularities are detected. In previous instances, vendors have been fined significantly for selling stale items or failing to maintain hygiene. The Food Safety Department has also assured that their special drives near major temples and railway stations will continue to ensure only pure food reaches the passengers.