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The Waltair Division of East Coast Railway has launched a special drive to guarantee the quality, pricing, and safety of food and beverages served on long-distance trains and at railway station stalls. This initiative, which began in November, addresses complaints of overcharging, encourages digital payments, and raises awareness among vendors and passengers.

Surprise Inspections Target Overcharging and Safety

A dedicated 20-member team, comprising senior supervisors and staff from the Commercial Department, conducted surprise checks at Visakhapatnam railway station and on various trains. They inspected over 10 food stalls to ensure compliance with food safety standards and the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) rule. According to Senior Divisional Commercial Manager K. Saandeep, vendors found violating these rules were warned and penalized.

Combating Unauthorized Vending

To eliminate unauthorized vending, the division deployed Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and increased inspections by the Commercial Department. These measures aim to improve passenger safety and enhance the overall experience during train journeys.

Certifying Hygiene and Collecting Feedback

Food Safety Officers are certifying catering units to maintain high hygiene standards. The division is also conducting regular customer satisfaction surveys to gather feedback and address passenger concerns.

Continuous Monitoring Across the Division

Railway and IRCTC officials,  along with Food Safety Officers, are performing regular and surprise inspections to ensure compliance. The Waltair Division remains committed to maintaining food quality, enforcing fair pricing, and providing essential services through pantry cars and train-side vending. These efforts will continue across the division to enhance passenger satisfaction and uphold safety standards.

Source: The Hindu