Indian Railways launches special drive to clean drinking water tanks, filters at stations

Indian Railways is set to enhance catering checks and expedite handling of complaints through Rail Madad. The objective is to elevate food quality, hygiene, and accountability, while ensuring quicker response to passengers. Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar examined the IRCTC War Room systems, emphasizing the need for more responsive and technology-driven monitoring.

He directed automation of the Rail Madad interface to simplify passenger concern communication. Railway officials are also tasked with closely monitoring these complaints, possibly interacting directly with passengers for better understanding. The goal is to improve the tracking and resolution of passenger complaints related to catering and other services.

The Ministry of Railways announced that each inspecting agency must systematically record deficiencies and performance during inspections. Additionally, more cameras will monitor railway catering kitchens, with specific focus on raw material storage areas and PTZ cameras for broader surveillance. The kitchen at Anantapur, South Central Railway, was identified for improvement based on inspection and video monitoring, highlighting roti and paratha preparation as areas needing closer review.

Third-party agencies inspecting catering services will face closer scrutiny, with their performance regularly recorded and evaluated for effectiveness. Should agencies consistently fail, delisting may be considered. Artificial Intelligence-based monitoring systems will also be used to detect issues like rodents and cockroaches, with alerts followed by appropriate corrective or deterrent action.

The initiatives aim to strengthen passenger confidence, improve food quality and hygiene, and create a more responsive catering ecosystem.