Allegation of Food Poisoning
A disconcerting incident unfolded aboard the Varanasi–Deoghar Vande Bharat Express on March 27, 2026, when a passenger, Ayushi Singh, claims to have suffered
a severe allergic reaction shortly after consuming the lunch provided during her journey. Singh reported that her two-year-old son also experienced an adverse reaction, specifically diarrhea. She took to social media platform X to share her ordeal, posting images of her visibly swollen face. Singh emphasized the gravity of her condition, stating that a medical professional had informed her that the reaction could have been life-threatening had she not sought immediate medical attention. Adding to her concerns, she also noted that the water served on the train had a peculiar taste, which further fueled her suspicion about the food's quality and safety.
Official Response and Passenger Insistence
In response to Ayushi Singh's serious allegations, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) issued a statement on their official X account. They indicated that the food served on the specific Vande Bharat train journey in question had undergone an inspection and was found to be satisfactory. IRCTC also stated that no other complaints regarding the quality, hygiene, or safety of the food served on that particular day had been received. However, Singh remained resolute in her assertion that the onboard meal was the sole cause of her and her son's ailments. She pointed out that they had not eaten breakfast at home due to their early morning train departure, making the Vande Bharat meal their only food intake. Despite the official response, Singh expressed her dismay that her experience, and that of her son, seemed to be dismissed, even though she was glad no one else was affected.
Further Investigation and Public Reaction
Following the initial exchange, IRCTC requested Ms. Singh to provide her PNR number and contact details via direct message. This was an invitation for a more thorough, personalized investigation into her complaint. The passenger's post garnered significant attention online, eliciting concern and support from fellow social media users. In subsequent interactions, Singh updated concerned users, stating that she was recovering and that the swelling had subsided, though she was still undergoing medication. The incident sparked a broader conversation among travelers regarding food safety standards on Indian railways, with many expressing solidarity with Ms. Singh and urging for stricter quality control measures.
