A catering contractor serving food on the Ahmedabad–Mumbai Tejas Rajdhani Express has been fined ₹1 lakh by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) after a passenger allegedly found a fly in a meal served onboard. The railway catering body has also initiated the process to terminate the contractor’s licence, reinforcing its strict stance on food safety and hygiene.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the quality of food served on trains and the importance of maintaining hygiene standards in railway catering services.
Passenger Finds Fly in Veg Biryani Served on Train
According to railway officials, the incident occurred when a passenger travelling on the Ahmedabad–Mumbai Tejas Rajdhani Express ordered a combo lunch as part of the onboard catering service. While eating the meal, the passenger reportedly discovered a fly in the veg biryani and immediately informed the train staff.
In addition to the contamination, the passenger also complained about the overall quality of the food served during the journey.
Railway Staff Responded Immediately
Following the complaint, the train captain and the onboard catering manager reached the passenger to address the issue. The catering staff apologised for the inconvenience and offered a replacement meal.
However, the passenger declined the replacement despite the prompt response from the onboard team.
IRCTC stated that the complaint was handled immediately in accordance with its passenger service protocols.
IRCTC Imposes ₹1 Lakh Penalty on Caterer
After reviewing the incident, IRCTC imposed a ₹1 lakh financial penalty on the catering contractor responsible for supplying the meal.
The corporation also issued a show-cause notice, seeking an explanation for the lapses in food preparation, hygiene, and packaging that led to the incident.
Licence Cancellation Process Begins
Taking the matter seriously, IRCTC confirmed that it has initiated the process to cancel the caterer’s licence.
The railway catering authority stated that the contractor has been warned for deficiencies observed during meal preparation and packaging. The decision reflects IRCTC’s commitment to ensuring high standards of food safety and service quality across Indian Railways.
IRCTC Reaffirms Commitment to Food Safety
Food safety remains a key priority for IRCTC, which serves millions of passengers every year through its onboard catering network. The corporation said it follows a zero-tolerance policy toward hygiene violations and takes strict action whenever food safety standards are compromised.
Officials added that such enforcement measures are intended to improve accountability among catering service providers and ensure passengers receive safe, hygienic, and high-quality meals during train journeys.
Why This Action Matters
Incidents involving contaminated food can significantly affect passenger confidence in railway catering services. By imposing a financial penalty and initiating licence cancellation, IRCTC has demonstrated that negligence in food preparation and quality control will not be tolerated.
The action also serves as a reminder to all railway catering contractors to comply with food safety regulations, maintain hygiene throughout the food preparation process, and uphold the quality standards expected by passengers.
The ₹1 lakh fine and proposed licence cancellation highlight IRCTC’s firm approach to food safety and passenger welfare. As Indian Railways continues to enhance its catering services, maintaining strict hygiene practices and delivering quality food remain essential for building passenger trust and ensuring a safe travel experience.
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