IRCTC cracks down on unauthorised water, food items on trains: Over 8,000 bottles seized

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has stepped up inspections to curb unauthorized water and food items on trains, seizing more than 8,000 bottles during enforcement drives. The initiative aims to uphold catering standards and ensure passenger safety. IRCTC has established Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to conduct inspections at trains and railway stations, working alongside the commercial department of Indian Railways.

These teams focus on identifying unapproved packaged drinking water, food, and beverage products that do not meet specified standards.

In the Lucknow region, IRCTC officials inspected 117 trains between July 28 and August 8, leading to the seizure of 5,241 bottles of unauthorized packaged drinking water. Similarly, in the Chandigarh region, 51 trains underwent inspections, resulting in the arrest of 3,108 bottles of unauthorized packaged drinking water. During surprise inspections at Ambala, officials seized 13 cartons of unauthorized products, including ice cream and flavored milk.

Further checks were conducted at various locations, including Sabarmati BG railway station, where unapproved packaged drinking water and buttermilk were found loaded onto trains and subsequently seized. At Howrah, unapproved food and beverage items were confiscated during an unexpected inspection. QRT teams also performed inspections in Guwahati, Kamakhya, Agartala, Katihar, New Jalpaiguri, and Dibrugarh, capturing unapproved packaged drinking water and food items.

IRCTC has activated QRT teams across all zones and regions of the corporation to monitor and prevent the sale of unauthorized food and beverage items. Catering service providers have been advised against loading, stocking, or selling such unauthorized items. IRCTC has cautioned that violations could result in strict action under the applicable license terms.