Indian Railways has decided to make its monitoring system stricter to ensure the quality of food served on trains. Apart from sudden inspections, the railway will now use a digital monitoring system to keep a close watch on catering services. This move comes after several complaints from passengers regarding food quality, especially in premium trains like Vande Bharat and Shatabdi.
How will the new food monitoring system work?
The railway announced on April 24, 2026, that WhatsApp groups will be formed to monitor the quality of food. This is part of a larger digital shift to reduce complaints. Previously, in October 2024, AI was introduced in 297 kitchens to improve hygiene. Now, digital tracking will complement the physical checks conducted by the pantry car staff and FSSAI.
What are the recent rules and penalties for catering?
The railway has taken strict action against vendors to maintain standards. Following an incident in a Vande Bharat train on April 8, 2026, IRCTC was fined ₹10 lakh and the vendor, M/s Vrindavan Food Products, was fined ₹50 lakh and their contract was terminated. Additionally, from April 14, 2026, a new rule for Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, and Vande Bharat trains requires all passengers on a single PNR to either opt for food together or none at all.
Other digital and infrastructure updates in catering
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vendor ID | Authorized sellers must carry QR code ID cards from March 2026 |
| Food Packets | QR codes on packets to show preparation time and location |
| Station Food | Premium outlets like KFC and McDonald’s allowed since November 2025 |
| AI Monitoring | AI system flags staff entering kitchens without caps or gloves |