IRCTC has started a crackdown on catering services providing poor quality food in trains. The organization warned that caterers found violating hygiene standards will face heavy fines and their licenses will be cancelled. This move comes after several complaints regarding food quality and hygiene in various trains.
What are the recent penalties on caterers?
IRCTC took strict action against several service providers for hygiene lapses. In the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Tejas Rajdhani Express, a caterer named Araha Hospitality Private Limited was fined ₹1 lakh and their license cancellation process started after a fly was found in a passenger’s meal. Earlier, a service provider on the Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express faced a ₹50 lakh fine and contract termination after insects were found in the food.
How is IRCTC monitoring food quality now?
To ensure food safety, IRCTC is using new technology and surprise checks. The organization installed 2,394 AI-enabled cameras across more than 800 railway kitchens to monitor hygiene in real-time. Additionally, officials conducted surprise inspections at Tatanagar on June 17 to check base kitchens and pantry cars.
Which platforms should passengers avoid for food?
IRCTC advised passengers to avoid ordering food from unauthorized e-catering platforms. Legal action has been initiated against 14 such platforms due to poor food quality, payment disputes, and data security issues. Passengers are encouraged to use only official and authorized platforms for a safe experience.
| Event/Action | Details/Penalty | Date/Period |
|---|---|---|
| Tejas Rajdhani Case | ₹1 Lakh fine & License cancellation | June 24-26, 2026 |
| Vande Bharat Case | ₹50 Lakh fine on provider & Contract end | March 2026 |
| AI Monitoring | 2,394 AI cameras in 800+ kitchens | June 4, 2026 |
| Unauthorized Apps | Legal action against 14 platforms | June 12, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if a caterer provides poor quality food?
Caterers can be fined from ₹5,000 to ₹5 lakh depending on the violation. In serious cases of hygiene failure, IRCTC will cancel their license and terminate the contract.
How can passengers ensure they get safe food via e-catering?
Passengers should only order food through authorized e-catering platforms. IRCTC has warned against unauthorized apps due to risks in food quality and payment security.