{
  "id": 1282310,
  "title": "IRCTC Intensifies Surprise Checks In West Zone, Flags Unauthorised Catering Staff On Trains",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/irctc-intensifies-surprise-checks-in-west-zone-flags-unauthorised",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T13:30:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/irctc-intensifies-surprise-checks-in-west-zone-flags-unauthorised-catering-staff-on-trains"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mumbai witnessed intensified surprise inspections by IRCTC's Quick Response Team (QRT) focusing on the West Zone, uncovering instances of unauthorized catering staff onboard trains. The primary objective was to ensure that only certified personnel are entrusted with catering services to passengers.\n\nDuring an audit of Train No. 22938, operated by Rathore Caterers, at Vadodara station on August 11, two unlicensed vendors were discovered aboard without the requisite uniforms and valid identification cards. Subsequent action was taken against the service provider.\n\nSimilarly, an inspection of Train No. 12480, run by Harish Kumar Arora, at Surat station revealed two catering staff members working without the updated uniforms and valid ID cards. The operator was urged to rectify the situation promptly.\n\nIRCTC West Zone's Public Relations Officer, Dr A.K. Singh, emphasized that the organization adheres to a stringent zero-tolerance policy regarding any service violations impacting passenger service standards. He further revealed that surprise checks were being carried out across trains and stations to maintain compliance with catering norms. For exclusive and budget-friendly accommodation deals in Mumbai and its vicinity, interested parties can explore options at <https://budgetproperties.in>.",
  "summary": "Mumbai: IRCTC's Quick Response Team (QRT) has intensified surprise inspections on trains in the West Zone, detecting violations involving unauthorised catering staff, missing uniforms and invalid identification cards. The inspections are aimed at ensuring that only authorised personnel provide catering services to passengers. Two Unauthorised Vendors Found Without Uniforms And ID Cards In…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}