The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorised food and packaged drinking water being sold on trains and railway premises. During recent enforcement drives across several railway zones, officials seized more than 8,000 bottles of unauthorised packaged drinking water, along with other food and beverage products. Scroll down to know more.
IRCTC Seizes 8000+ Unauthorised Water Bottles
As per a report by Business Today, IRCTC has established Quick Response Teams (QRTs) across its zones and regions to carry out surprise inspections at railway stations and onboard trains. The teams are working closely together with the commercial department of Indian Railways to identify food, beverages and packaged water being sold without the required approvals or failing to meet prescribed standards.
The corporation has explained its instructions to authorised catering service providers, warning them against loading, stocking or selling unauthorised products on trains and at railway stations.
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During one inspection at Sabarmati BG railway station in Ahmedabad, authorities confiscated packaged drinking water and buttermilk that vendors were allegedly attempting to put onto trains. Similar inspections were carried out at Howrah, Guwahati, Kamakhya, Agartala, Katihar, New Jalpaiguri and Dibrugarh, where teams found various unauthorised food, beverage and packaged water products. The seized food and beverages were disposed of following the inspection at Howrah Railway Station.
IRCTC To Improve Passenger Safety
The regulation campaign has been expanded across the railway network as part of IRCTC’s efforts to regulate food and beverage sales and improve passenger safety. Additionally, catering service providers have been warned that violations could invite strict action under the applicable licence conditions.
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Through the ongoing inspections, IRCTC aims to prevent unauthorised products from reaching passengers and ensure that food, beverages and packaged drinking water meet the required quality and approval standards.
What are your thoughts about this crackdown by IRCTC?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Reddit/r/indianrailways
FAQs
What food is served on IRCTC trains?
IRCTC trains serve standard vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, breakfast combos, snacks, and beverages from onboard pantry cars.
How can I order food on IRCTC?
You can order food on IRCTC by visiting the official IRCTC eCatering Website, downloading the "Food on Track" app, messaging the WhatsApp line at +91-8750001323, or using partner apps like Zomato or Swiggy.
Is food in IRCTC good?
The quality of IRCTC food varies widely depending on how and what you order.
