Passenger's Allegations Surface
A recent journey on the Vande Bharat Express took a distressing turn for Ayushi Singh, a passenger traveling from Ranchi. She detailed her experience on social
media, claiming a severe allergic reaction developed shortly after consuming the meal served onboard. The situation was compounded by her two-year-old son also experiencing an upset stomach, specifically diarrhea, after eating the same food. Ayushi was on train number 22500, in coach E1, on March 27, and described the incident as critical, necessitating immediate attention. To support her claims, she included photographic evidence and a copy of a medical prescription from Maa Ram Pyaari Superspeciality Hospital in Ranchi, indicating the severity of her condition. This account has since garnered significant attention, initiating discussions about food safety standards on premium train services.
Concerns Over Handling
Beyond the physical discomfort, Ayushi Singh expressed considerable dissatisfaction with the way her complaint was addressed by the train staff. She vocally criticized the quality of the food offered on the Vande Bharat Express and highlighted what she perceived as a dismissive attitude from the personnel when she tried to report the issue. Her statement emphasized the medical prescription as proof of a severe allergic reaction stemming from the Vande Bharat 22500 meal. Furthermore, she raised doubts about the general hygiene standards, noting that the water served on the train had an unusual taste, which further fueled her concerns about the overall food and beverage service provided.
IRCTC's Official Stance
In response to the circulating social media post, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) issued a statement addressing the incident. The corporation indicated that an inquiry was conducted into the food served during train number 22500, the Vande Bharat Express (BSB-DGHR route), in coach E1 on March 27. According to their internal check, the lunch provided was found to be satisfactory. The IRCTC also stated that no other passengers on that particular service reported any issues related to the quality, hygiene, or safety of the food served. This official response presents a counterpoint to the passenger's experience, suggesting that the issue might have been isolated.
