Key Update

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has intensified inspections against unauthorised food and beverage sales on trains and at railway stations, seizing more than 8,000 bottles of unauthorised packaged drinking water during recent enforcement drives.

Quick Response Teams Step Up Inspections

IRCTC has deployed Quick Response Teams (QRTs) across its zones and regions to inspect trains and railway stations in coordination with Indian Railways’ commercial department. The teams are checking for unauthorised packaged drinking water, food and beverages and other products that fail to meet prescribed standards.

Thousands of Bottles Seized Across Regions

In the Lucknow region, officials inspected 117 trains between July 28 and August 8 and seized 5,241 bottles of unauthorised packaged drinking water. In the Chandigarh region, teams inspected 51 trains and seized 3,108 bottles. During two surprise inspections at Ambala, officials also seized 13 cartons of unauthorised products, including ice cream and flavoured milk. Officials also found unauthorised packaged drinking water and buttermilk being loaded onto trains at Sabarmati BG railway station and seized the products for further action.

Checks Extend Across Railway Zones

At Howrah, officials seized and disposed of unauthorised food and beverage products during a surprise inspection. QRT teams also conducted checks at Guwahati, Kamakhya, Agartala, Katihar, New Jalpaiguri and Dibrugarh, seizing unauthorised packaged drinking water and food items.

IRCTC has advised catering service providers not to load, stock or sell unauthorised food and beverage products and warned that violations could attract strict action under applicable licence terms.

Source: The Indian Express