Alleged Food Reaction
A recent journey on the Varanasi–Deoghar Vande Bharat Express took a frightening turn for passenger Ayushi Singh on March 27, 2026. Shortly after consuming
lunch served during her trip, Singh began to experience severe symptoms, most notably a significant swelling of her face. This adverse reaction was so concerning that a consulting doctor later informed her of its potentially life-threatening nature had immediate medical attention not been sought. Adding to her distress, Singh also noted an unusual taste in the water served on the train, further fueling her suspicions about the meal's safety and quality.
Passenger's Concerns
Ayushi Singh took to social media platform X to voice her distress and share photographic evidence of her swollen face, appealing to Indian Railways for an investigation into the incident. She emphasized the gravity of her condition, stating it could have been fatal if not for prompt medical intervention. Singh clarified that both she and her two-year-old son had consumed the train's food, as they had not eaten breakfast at home due to their early morning departure. Despite her insistence that the train meal was the sole cause of their ailments, including her son's diarrhoea, she expressed disappointment that the railway authorities initially seemed to dismiss the issue, focusing on the lack of other complaints. This led her to reiterate that while she was relieved no one else suffered, their personal experience was valid and significant.
Railway's Initial Response
In response to Ms. Singh's public complaint, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) officially stated via their X account that the food served on the specific Vande Bharat train (Train No. 22500 BSB-DGHR Vande Bharat Express, Coach E1) on March 27, 2026, had been examined and found to be satisfactory. They further noted that no other passenger had lodged complaints regarding the quality, hygiene, or safety of the food on that particular day. This initial statement, while procedural, did not immediately allay Ms. Singh's concerns, leading to further exchanges where IRCTC then requested her PNR number and contact details through direct messaging to investigate the matter more thoroughly.
Community Support & Recovery
Singh's social media post quickly garnered significant attention and support from fellow netizens, who expressed concern over her ordeal. Many users responded empathetically, wishing her a speedy recovery and advising her to take care of her health. In an update, Ms. Singh shared that she was in the process of recovering, with the swelling having completely subsided, though she remained on medication. The widespread reaction underscored the public's sensitivity to food safety issues, especially concerning public transportation, and the importance of a thorough and responsive approach from service providers.
