The Old System of Confusion
For years, the lines of authority over food vendors in transit hubs could seem blurry. Was the vendor on a railway platform governed by the same rules as a cafe inside an airport terminal? While specific authorities like Indian Railways and Airport Health
Officers were designated to issue licenses, the overarching system involved different rules for different types of businesses based on turnover and location. This created a complex regulatory web for both the food business operators (FBOs) and the authorities tasked with overseeing them, often leaving travellers unsure about the uniformity of standards.
The Core of the Clarification
The most significant clarification has come from a series of major amendments FSSAI rolled out in 2026, aimed at simplifying compliance across the board. The biggest change is the introduction of 'perpetual validity' for licenses. This means that once a vendor obtains an FSSAI license, it remains valid indefinitely as long as they pay their annual fees and adhere to all safety regulations. This move eliminates the bureaucratic hassle of periodic renewals, allowing businesses to focus on maintaining standards rather than paperwork. It’s a fundamental shift from a system of periodic checks to one of continuous compliance.
Centralised Oversight for Major Hubs
The new direction clarifies a crucial point of oversight: who is ultimately responsible? For food businesses operating within major transit terminals like airports, railway stations, and seaports, the licensing authority is unequivocally the Central Government. These establishments are required to obtain a Central License, irrespective of their turnover. This ensures that vendors in the country's most critical transport hubs are held to a uniform, national standard of food safety and hygiene. While states manage many local eateries, the responsibility for these high-traffic, strategic locations rests with the central authority, providing a single point of accountability.
What This Means for Travellers
For the millions of people passing through India's terminals daily, this clarification translates into more reliable food safety. A centrally managed licensing system promotes consistent standards, meaning the quality and hygiene of food should not vary drastically from one major station to another. This is complemented by initiatives like FSSAI's 'Eat Right Station' program, which has already certified over 150 railway stations for providing safe and healthy food options. This certification involves rigorous audits and training, giving passengers a clear indicator of which stations meet the highest standards. The clear oversight makes it easier to implement and monitor such quality-driven programs effectively.
A Simpler Path for Vendors
While enhanced safety for consumers is the primary goal, the new framework also simplifies life for the vendors themselves. Beyond the perpetual license, FSSAI has also revised the turnover thresholds for different license categories. For smaller vendors, including those at bus terminals or outside smaller stations, the limit for a basic registration has been increased significantly. For those operating within the central license framework at major terminals, the end of renewals reduces administrative burdens and costs. This simplified, risk-based approach is designed to encourage compliance and make it easier for legitimate businesses to operate according to the rules, fostering a safer food environment from the ground up.
