The Sobering Reality of Railway Catering
Recent enforcement drives have revealed significant lapses in food safety across the railway network. In early August 2026, Indian Railways announced it had imposed cumulative penalties of ₹5.13 crore on various catering contractors for violations. These
actions followed a surge of passenger complaints about stale meals, unhygienic pantry cars, and poor preparation standards. In one instance at Mumbai Central, an inspection of the Jan Aahar eatery found cooked food and ingredients left uncovered, dirty utensils, and staff working without gloves or caps, leading to its temporary closure. Similarly, a food stall at Thane station was sealed after an inspection revealed a rat in the cooking area. These incidents, while alarming, are part of a broader push by the Railways, which says it has a "zero-tolerance approach" to unhygienic conditions.
Official Guardrails: What Railways is Doing
In response to ongoing concerns, Indian Railways and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) have institutionalised several measures. Regular and surprise inspections by officials, including Food Safety Officers, are conducted to ensure compliance with FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) standards. To improve transparency, many food packets now come with QR codes that provide details like the kitchen name and packing date. CCTV cameras have also been installed in many base kitchens to allow for real-time monitoring of food preparation. Furthermore, IRCTC has been terminating contracts and debarring licensees for repeated hygiene and quality violations.
Your First Line of Defence: Visual Checks
As a passenger, you are the final checkpoint. Before purchasing any food item, take a moment to observe. Is the vendor's stall clean? Are they wearing a neat uniform and gloves? Food should be properly covered to protect it from dust and flies. Avoid items that are left exposed to the open air. Check the packaging for a valid FSSAI license number, which is mandatory for all food businesses operating on railway premises. If you are buying a pre-packaged item, check the manufacturing and expiry dates. The QR code on some meal packets can also give you instant information about its origin.
Prioritise Hot and Freshly Cooked Meals
One of the most reliable food safety tips is to opt for food that is cooked fresh and served hot. High temperatures kill most of the harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Be wary of pre-cooked curries or rice that have been sitting at room temperature for an extended period. Items that are fried or prepared in front of you, like an omelette, fresh pakoras, or hot tea and coffee, are generally safer choices. Raw items like salads, cut fruits, or sandwiches are riskier as they can get contaminated easily, especially in warm weather. It is also wise to stick to sealed, branded bottled water, like Rail Neer, to avoid waterborne illnesses.
Leverage Technology for Safer Options
To bypass the uncertainty of platform vendors, consider using IRCTC’s official e-catering service. This allows you to order meals from FSSAI-approved restaurants located in cities along your route, which are then delivered to your seat at a designated station. You can access this service via the IRCTC eCatering website or authorised partner apps by entering your PNR number. This system not only offers a wider variety of food choices but also provides a layer of accountability, as the partner restaurants are vetted for quality and hygiene standards. Of course, the safest option remains packing your own food from home.
How to Report a Problem
If you do encounter substandard food or unhygienic conditions, reporting it is crucial for driving improvement. Indian Railways has multiple channels for grievances. You can use the RailMadad portal or call the IRCTC helpline at 1800-111-321. Many passengers also find success by posting a clear, detailed complaint on social media, tagging the official accounts of Indian Railways and the relevant divisional railway manager. When filing a complaint, try to include details like your PNR number, train number, and if possible, a photo of the food or vendor. This documentation can lead to quicker action and helps the authorities identify repeat offenders.
