Key Development

To improve food safety for passengers, the Ministry of Railways has ordered all zones to issue standardised ID cards to authorised food vendors at stations and on trains. This new move aims to stop unauthorised vendors from selling unsafe, adulterated food that could harm commuters’ health.

Railways Target Unsafe Food Sellers

Railway officials have raised serious concerns about unauthorised food vendors who often sell low-quality or adulterated food. These illegal vendors pose a direct threat to food safety on trains and at stations. To address the issue, the Railway Board issued a circular on July 17, directing all zones to enforce a uniform ID system immediately.

New ID Cards Will Identify Verified Vendors

The Railways will issue ID cards to all licensed vendors, helpers, and staff working under approved food service providers. Each ID card will include:

• The vendor’s name and Aadhaar number
• A valid medical fitness certificate
• Details of deployment and police verification
• The name of the licensed firm

Station superintendents, station managers, or authorised IRCTC officials will sign the cards. Vendors must wear these ID cards prominently to sell food at the railway premises.

Railway Officials to Maintain Vendor Records

Authorities must keep an updated register of all active and standby vendors at each station or train. If a vendor leaves the job, the licensee must collect the ID card and request a new one for the replacement. No vendor can continue working without a valid ID.  By implementing this system, the Railways are taking strong action to eliminate unsafe, unverified food vendors. The initiative strengthens hygiene control and builds passenger trust by ensuring that only trained and medically fit vendors serve food.

Source: The Economic Times