The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has significantly intensified its inspection drives across various railway regions, including the Chandigarh region, to ensure strict adherence to prescribed catering standards and to combat the sale of unauthorised food and beverage items on trains and at static catering units. This proactive enforcement aims to safeguard passenger health and maintain the integrity of railway services.
As part of this escalated vigilance, Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been strategically formed. These teams are operating in close coordination with the Commercial Department of the Railways, conducting thorough inspections of both trains and railway stations. Their primary focus is on identifying and seizing unapproved Packaged Drinking Water (PDW), food, and beverage products that do not meet the stipulated quality and regulatory standards. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that this comprehensive approach is a direct response to ongoing concerns about the quality and authenticity of items sold to passengers.
In a recent operational week, the IRCTC Regional Office in Chandigarh undertook inspections of 51 trains across key locations such as Ambala, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Katra, and Jammu. This intensive drive resulted in the seizure of an alarming 3,108 bottles of unapproved packaged drinking water. The QRTs have also been conducting surprise checks on catering units within the jurisdiction of the Chandigarh Regional Office. These operations are spearheaded by the Chief Regional Manager (CRM) and Joint General Manager (JGM) of IRCTC, Chandigarh, underscoring the high-level attention being given to this matter.
During two particularly impactful surprise inspections conducted on August 10, the QRT led by the CRM of Chandigarh successfully confiscated 13 cartons of unauthorised products. These seized items included ice-cream and flavoured milk, which were being offered for sale without proper authorisation. Beyond the seizure of goods, these inspections also rigorously assessed compliance with licensing and authorisation conditions, alongside the critical hygiene and food-safety norms that are paramount for public health.
A similar enforcement action took place at Saharanpur Railway Station, where unauthorised ice-creams, beverages, and packaged drinking water were also seized. This demonstrates a consistent application of the new stringent measures across different operational zones. The enforcement drive is not confined to the Chandigarh region; it has been extended to other parts of the country as well, indicating a nationwide effort by IRCTC to standardize catering services.
In the Lucknow region, the Commercial Department executed an extensive inspection campaign between July 28 and August 8. During this period, 117 trains were inspected, leading to the confiscation of 5,241 bottles of packaged drinking water bearing unapproved brands. This substantial seizure highlights the widespread nature of the problem and the effectiveness of the IRCTC’s targeted inspections.
Furthermore, a surprise inspection of Train Side Vending (TSV) operations for Train Nos. 19223 and 19031 at Sabarmati BG Railway Station revealed the loading of unauthorised packaged drinking water and buttermilk onto the trains. The IRCTC team promptly seized these items, initiating necessary action against the offenders. In parallel, QRT teams operating in the Howrah and Guwahati divisions have been actively seizing and disposing of unauthorised food and beverage items at numerous locations, including Kamakhya, Agartala, Katihar, New Jalpaiguri, and Dibrugarh. These actions collectively paint a picture of a robust and widespread campaign against non-compliant catering practices.
The intensified inspection efforts by IRCTC are a clear indication of the corporation’s commitment to ensuring that railway passengers have access only to authorised and compliant food and beverage products. The drive also aims to ensure that all catering units operate in strict accordance with licensing, hygiene, and food-safety requirements. This focus on passenger welfare and service quality is a critical component of modern railway operations.
Significantly, on Sunday, in the wake of observations made in a recent CAG report concerning drinking water quality, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally conducted a review of drinking water arrangements across the entire railway network. He was accompanied by senior officials during this critical assessment. Following the review, the Minister issued directives for immediate corrective measures to be implemented, ensuring the consistent availability of safe and clean drinking water for all passengers. This high-level intervention underscores the government’s commitment to addressing potential health risks associated with railway catering and drinking water services.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.