Major action by IRCTC! Unapproved water was being sold on trains; over 8,000 bottles seized..

To ensure the availability of safe, hygienic, and quality food and beverages for train passengers, IRCTC has launched a nationwide campaign against unauthorized food and drink items. Under this initiative, IRCTC’s Quick Response Team (QRT), in collaboration with the Railway Commercial Department, is conducting surprise inspections on trains and at railway stations. So far, over 8,349 bottles of unauthorized packaged drinking water have been seized during these operations, alongside quantities of ice cream, buttermilk, flavored milk, and other food items found at various locations.

According to IRCTC, the inspections cover not only unauthorized packaged water and food/beverage items but also the verification of catering stall licenses, hygiene standards, and compliance with food safety regulations. The objective is to provide passengers with safe food that meets quality standards.

**117 Trains Inspected and 5,241 Bottles Seized in Lucknow**
During a special campaign conducted between July 28 and August 8 in the Lucknow region of Northern Railway, IRCTC and railway officials inspected 117 trains. A total of 5,241 bottles of unauthorized packaged drinking water were seized during this period.

**3,108 Bottles Confiscated in Chandigarh Division**
Inspection drives were carried out across trains and stations in the Chandigarh region, including Ambala, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Katra, and Jammu. Inspections of 51 trains resulted in the seizure of 3,108 bottles of unauthorized water. Two surprise checks in Ambala led to the recovery of 13 cartons of unauthorized products, including ice cream and flavored milk. Similar enforcement actions at Saharanpur railway station also resulted in the seizure of ice cream, beverages, and packaged water. 

Action taken in Sabarmati, Howrah, and the Northeast
During an inspection conducted on August 9 at the Sabarmati BG railway station in Gujarat, it was discovered that unauthorized packaged water and buttermilk were being loaded onto trains 19223 and 19031. IRCTC officials immediately seized both products.

Meanwhile, in Howrah, unauthorized food and beverage items were confiscated during a joint operation with the Railway's Commercial Department and subsequently destroyed. Additionally, large-scale inspection drives were carried out between August 8 and 14 at Guwahati, Kamakhya, Agartala, Katihar, New Jalpaiguri, and Dibrugarh. These inspections covered food items, overcharging, staff documentation, cleanliness, pest control, and food safety standards across trains and catering units.

Strict warning to catering operators
The IRCTC has issued clear instructions to all licensed catering operators prohibiting the stocking or sale of any unauthorized food or beverage items on trains. They have been warned that strict action, in accordance with the terms of their licenses, will be taken against those found violating the regulations.

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