Report

On July 22, 2025, a passenger travelling on the Vande Bharat Express from New Delhi discovered a black insect in the dal served onboard. The contaminated meal, packed in an aluminium container, raised immediate concerns about food safety on premium trains. The passenger posted a photo of the insect in the dal meal on social media, sparking a wave of criticism. The post quickly went viral, with users tagging railway officials and questioning the quality and hygiene of catering services on the Vande Bharat Express.

Railways Promises Investigation

Responding to the backlash, Indian Railways issued a public apology and sought the passenger’s details to investigate the matter. “This is not the standard we strive to maintain. We regret the inconvenience caused and have requested the passenger’s information to take corrective action,” a senior Railways official stated.

Food Safety Concerns Resurface

The incident has reignited public concerns over the quality of onboard meals. Despite recent efforts to modernise services on premium trains, the discovery highlights the urgent need for stricter food safety checks and quality monitoring in railway catering.

Source: Deccan Chronicle