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Insect Found In Meal On Vande Bharat Express, Passenger’s Post Sparks Public Outrage

Trains like the Vande Bharat are faster, sleeker, and more accessible than what we were used to even five years ago. But a rebrand only works when the inside matches the outside. Recently, a post shared on X by a passenger travelling on the New Delhi Vande Bharat Express showed a picture of contaminated daal. This has raised serious concerns about the food quality in Indian Railways.

by Mahi Adlakha
Insect Found In Meal On Vande Bharat Express, Passenger’s Post Sparks Public Outrage

One of Indian Railways’ crown jewels is back in the spotlight, but this time, for all the wrong reasons. On July 22, a passenger on the New Delhi Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22440) shared a food picture that was hard to look at: a dead black insect floating in their daal. 

Insect Found In Vande Bharat Meal: Post Goes Viral On X

The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), was brief and precise, mentioning the train number 22440, coach C3 and seat no. 53. Within hours, it had ricocheted across timelines, attracting a flood of angry responses from fellow travellers, critics, and even railway enthusiasts who were, until now, rooting for the Vande Bharat dream.

This isn’t just about a single contaminated meal, it’s rather about a pattern. A year ago, a similar complaint surfaced when a passenger found insects in their sambhar on another Vande Bharat route; that case also went viral and finally ended in an apology. 

This time, Indian Railways’ digital helpdesk (@RailwaySeva) responded with this: “We regret the inconvenience! Please share the details, PNR and mobile no. You may also raise your concern directly on https://railmadad.indianrailways.gov.in for speedy redressal.”

Also Read: Fire Erupts On Hisar Express Near Tirupati; Quick Action Saves Vande Bharat Passengers

Railway Food Quality Under Question

It was hard to digest for many since the Vande Bharat Express isn’t a dusty, underfunded service. It’s a product of the “Make in India” push, pitched with pride as the next chapter in Indian rail travel. People’s concerns echo that these trains are designed for medium-distance routes, equipped with modern seating, swifter speeds, and an elevated passenger experience, it’s supposed to reflect efficiency, elegance, and ambition. But if the basics like safe and edible food aren’t being met, what are we celebrating?

The fallout online wasn’t limited to outrage. Many users used the moment to point at deeper issues: the need for regular hygiene audits, greater scrutiny of catering vendors, and training protocols that actually work. The conversation veered into bigger questions about accountability, with people asking: who’s checking these meals before they’re served and how often? 

Also Read: Pune To Get 4 New Vande Bharat Trains; Cost, Route, Timings And All About It

Trains like the Vande Bharat are faster, sleeker, and more accessible than what we were used to even five years ago. But a rebrand only works when the inside matches the outside. This case has proven one thing: the Indian Railways need to start fixing what’s broken behind the scenes; otherwise, stories like these will keep derailing its most ambitious projects.

Cover Image Courtesy: hardik1008/X and hashul12345/Wikipedia

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First Published: July 24, 2025 1:11 PM