Indian Railways has taken a significant step towards improving transparency in onboard catering. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that train passengers will now receive SMS messages containing links to the menu and tariff of food items available on their journey. This move aims to address complaints regarding food quality and pricing that frequently go viral on social media.
Access to Menus and Rates Made Easier
During a recent Lok Sabha session, Vaishnaw emphasized that passengers can access menu details in multiple ways:
- IRCTC website displays all food items and their prices.
- Printed menu cards are available with waiters and can be presented upon request.
- Rate lists are displayed in pantry cars for passengers to review.
- SMS notifications will now be sent to passengers with a direct link to the menu and pricing.
Measures to Improve Hygiene and Food Quality
Beyond pricing transparency, concerns were raised regarding food hygiene and quality on trains. In response, Vaishnaw highlighted several initiatives undertaken by Indian Railways, including:
- Base kitchens for meal preparation at designated locations.
- CCTV cameras in base kitchens to monitor food preparation.
- Use of branded ingredients such as cooking oil, flour, rice, pulses, and dairy products.
- Deployment of supervisors to ensure adherence to food safety and hygiene standards.
- Onboard IRCTC supervisors to oversee catering services in trains.
Enhanced Transparency with QR Codes and Regular Inspections
To further enhance transparency, Indian Railways has introduced QR codes on food packets. These codes contain essential details, including:
- Name of the kitchen where the meal was prepared.
- Date of packaging, ensuring freshness and quality.
Additionally, food hygiene is being monitored through:
- Third-party audits of pantry cars and base kitchens.
- Customer satisfaction surveys to gather passenger feedback.
- Mandatory deep cleaning and pest control in kitchens and pantry cars.
- FSSAI certification for designated personnel to enforce food safety standards.
- Regular food sampling and inspections by authorized officers.
Conclusion
With growing concerns over food quality on trains, Indian Railways has taken a proactive approach by introducing menu transparency, hygiene monitoring, and quality control measures. These steps ensure that passengers receive safe, high-quality food while traveling, enhancing their overall experience.
