The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is facing significant backlash following a disturbing incident where a passenger discovered an insect in food served on a Vande Bharat train traveling from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. This alarming event has not only raised immediate concerns about food safety but has also prompted a swift response from IRCTC, which imposed a hefty fine of Rs 10 lakh on the service provider involved.

The incident was brought to light by passenger Aditya Didwania, who took to social media to express his disgust. He reported, “Found an insect in Vande Bharat train food (Ahmedabad – Mumbai). At least 2 such cases in my coach, everyone stopped eating after that.” This revelation has sparked outrage among passengers, many of whom are now questioning the hygiene standards upheld by the railway catering services.

In response to the incident, IRCTC issued a termination notice to the vendor, M/S Brandavan Food Products, which is part of the RK Group. The vendor’s kitchen has since been sealed for deep cleaning and pest control, highlighting the seriousness with which IRCTC is treating this matter. An IRCTC spokesperson stated, “Inconvenience caused is deeply regretted. The matter has been viewed with the utmost seriousness and a hefty penalty of Rs 10 lakh along with termination notice of the contract is being issued to the Service Provider.”

However, this incident is not an isolated case. At least two similar incidents were reported in the same coach, indicating a troubling pattern of negligence regarding food quality on Vande Bharat trains. Passengers have expressed growing concerns about food safety and hygiene, with many suggesting they would prefer to bring their own food or order from food delivery applications during their journeys.

This incident follows a series of previous complaints regarding food quality on Vande Bharat trains, raising questions about the effectiveness of current safety protocols. Passengers are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction, with one commenting, “This isn’t an isolated case anymore. Multiple recent incidents. Same negligence. At what point does this become a serious public health concern? Passengers deserve better than repeated apologies.”

IRCTC has reiterated that hygiene and passenger safety are their top priorities, yet the frequency of these complaints suggests a deeper issue within the catering services provided on trains. The public’s trust in railway food services is at stake, and immediate action is necessary to restore confidence.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding whether further penalties will be imposed on the vendor or if additional measures will be taken to enhance food safety protocols across the railway network. As discussions continue online and among passengers, the pressure is mounting on IRCTC to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.

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