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

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has ramped up inspections of trains and stations to curb unauthorized sales of food and water items, seizing over 8,000 bottles. The crackdown aims to enhance passenger safety and ensure compliance with prescribed standards. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been deployed to conduct inspections across various regions, including Lucknow, Chandigarh, Ambala, Sabarmati BG, Guwahati, Kamakhya, Agartala, Katihar, New Jalpaiguri, and Dibrugarh.

In the Lucknow region, officials inspected 117 trains and seized 5,241 bottles of unauthorized packaged drinking water. In Chandigarh, 51 trains were inspected, leading to the seizure of 3,108 bottles. During surprise checks at Ambala, officials intercepted 13 cartons of unauthorized products, including ice cream and flavored milk.

At Sabarmati BG railway station, unapproved packaged drinking water and buttermilk were found and seized. IRCTC has also warned catering service providers against loading, stocking, or selling unauthorized food and beverage items, with violations potentially resulting in strict action under license terms.