Indian Railways takes strict action against poor food quality by imposing a heavy fine after a passenger received an undercooked meal during a journey. Passengers travelling on premium trains expect top-tier hospitality, and authorities are cracking down on negligence to maintain high standards of catering across the network.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation imposed a ₹2 lakh penalty on the catering licensee responsible for serving an undercooked paratha on the Banaras-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22435) on August 16, 2026. This swift action followed a passenger complaint that quickly gained traction on social media. Furthermore, the base kitchen inspection agency responsible for overseeing food preparation received a ₹20,000 fine for negligence.
Strict Measures and Ongoing Reforms
Ministry of Railways officials confirmed that these penalties were finalized between August 20 and August 21, 2026. The ministry highlighted that this enforcement acts as a strong deterrent against service lapses, reinforcing accountability for passenger welfare. These steps align directly with broader reforms mandated by the Railway Board in January 2026 to fundamentally improve onboard catering quality and food safety.
In addition to these railway-specific penalties, food safety authorities are expanding their oversight. The Karnataka Food Safety Department has extended its inspection mandate to cover railway establishments and pantry services. This collaborative approach ensures rigorous cleanliness, hygiene, and quality compliance for all Vande Bharat operations moving forward.