Members of the North Central Railway zonal and divisional advisory committees conducted a detailed inspection at Mathura Junction railway station on April 15, 2026. The team, comprising representatives from Prayagraj, Jabalpur, and Agra divisions, identified several irregularities concerning passenger amenities and safety standards. The inspection was aimed at evaluating the ground reality of facilities provided to common passengers at this major junction.
Major irregularities found in food pricing and quality
The committee observed that vendors at the station platforms were selling food items at prices significantly higher than the rates fixed by the railways. The quality of food items like the famous Mathura Peda was found to be substandard, and some snacks had a foul smell. The following table highlights the price discrepancies found during the visit:
| Item Name | Fixed Rate | Charged Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Tea | ₹5 | ₹10 |
| Samosa | ₹10 | ₹15 |
| Water Bottle | ₹14 | ₹20 |
The committee also noted that Janata Khana or economy meal packets were completely unavailable at any of the stalls. Vendors claimed a shortage of cylinders as the reason, even though they were preparing all other food items on-site.
Lack of security checks and missing rate lists
The inspection team found a serious lapse in security at the entry and exit gates of Mathura Junction. Due to the lack of proper checking, beggars and suspicious individuals were seen roaming freely on the platforms, posing a risk to passengers. Additionally, the rate lists for using station toilets were not displayed, leading to confusion among travelers.
- Committee members Sanjay Govil, Manish Shorawala, and Yogendra Chaturvedi led the inspection team.
- Station Director AP Srivastava and CRS BK Singh were formally informed about these issues.
- The committee demanded immediate solutions for the overcharging and cleanliness problems.
- Discussions were also held regarding the construction of the railway bridge and underpass at Janmabhoomi.
The railway officials have assured the committee members that corrective measures will be implemented soon to address the highlighted grievances. The team emphasized the need for regular monitoring to ensure that passengers are not overcharged for basic services like water and food.