Train News: IRCTC cracks down on the sale of unauthorized food and water on trains

Train News: IRCTC has recently taken significant action against vendors selling food and water on trains. As part of this initiative, 8,000 bottles of unauthorized water have been confiscated.

Train News: To ensure rail passengers receive clean and safe food and water, IRCTC has launched a special campaign against unauthorized food and beverage items. IRCTC’s Quick Response Team (QRT) is now conducting surprise inspections on trains and at stations in coordination with the Railway's Commercial Department.

These inspections specifically target unauthorized packaged drinking water, food items, and other beverages. Additionally, checks are being conducted on catering stalls and units regarding licenses, mandatory permits, hygiene standards, and compliance with food safety regulations.

Inspections of 117 trains in Lucknow

In the Lucknow region, IRCTC and the Railway's Commercial Department conducted a special campaign from July 28 to August 8. During this period, 117 trains were inspected, and 5,241 bottles of unauthorized water brands were seized.

Action taken on 51 trains in Chandigarh

In the Chandigarh region, the IRCTC team inspected trains at several stations, including Ambala, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Katra, and Jammu. A total of 51 trains were inspected, resulting in the seizure of 3,108 bottles of unauthorized packaged drinking water. During two surprise checks by the QRT in Ambala, 13 cartons of unauthorized goods—including ice cream and flavored milk—were recovered. Unauthorized ice cream, beverages, and packaged drinking water were also seized at the Saharanpur railway station.

Unauthorized water being loaded onto trains at Sabarmati

During a surprise inspection of 'train-side vending' at the Sabarmati BG railway station in Gujarat on August 9, it was discovered that unauthorized packaged drinking water and buttermilk were being loaded onto trains 19223 and 19031. The IRCTC team seized these items.

Raids conducted in Howrah and Guwahati as well

In Howrah, a Quick Response Team (QRT), in collaboration with the Railway's Commercial Department, conducted a surprise inspection on August 8. Unauthorized food and beverage items were found there as well; these were seized and subsequently destroyed.

Meanwhile, a large-scale inspection drive was carried out between August 8 and 14 across Guwahati, Kamakhya, Agartala, Katihar, New Jalpaiguri, and Dibrugarh. Inspections covered both trains and railway station catering units. The teams checked for unauthorized water and food items, as well as issues such as overcharging, staff documentation, cleanliness, pest control, and the condition of catering equipment.

Clear warning to catering operators

The IRCTC has issued directives to all catering operators prohibiting the loading, stocking, or sale of any unauthorized food or beverage items on trains. Strict action, in accordance with the terms of their licenses, will be taken against any violations of these rules.

Regarding this initiative, the IRCTC stated that QRTs have been activated across all zones and regions to ensure passengers are provided with safe and hygienic food and water. Such surprise inspections on trains and at stations will continue in the coming days.