New Delhi: A meal served on one of Indian Railways premium trains has landed a catering contractor in trouble after a passenger allegedly found a fly in a plate of vegetarian biryani. Acting on the complaint, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has imposed a rs 1 lakh fine on the firm licence, could follow if the lapse is found to be serious.
The incident took place onboard the Tejas Rajdhani Expres, where the passenger reportedly discovered the insect while eating the meal served during the journey. Images of the contaminated food were shared online, drawing widespread attention and sparking criticism over hygiene standards in railway catering.
Responding to the complaint, IRCTC said it had taken immediate action against the contractor responsible for supplying the food. The agency has asked the vendor to explain how the incident occurred and why action should not be taken for failing to maintain the requires standards of food safety and quality.
Officials said the penalty was imposed after a preliminary review of the complaint. The outcome of the ongoing inquiry and the vendor’s response to the show cause notice will determine whether further disciplinary measures, including termination of the catering contract, are necessary.
The episode has once again put the spotlight on food quality aboard trains, particularly premium services where passengers pay higher fares and expect better standards. In recent years, IRCTC has faced several complaints related to unhygienic food, stale meals and contamination, prompting the organisation to tighten inspections and increase monitoring of catering operations across the railway network.
IRCTC has repeatedly maintained that it follows strict food safety guidelines and regularly audits licensed vendors. Railway officials also encourage passengers to report complaints through RailMadad, the official railway grievance portal, or by using designated helpline numbers so that issues can be addressed without delay.
The latest action sends a clear message that lapses in food safety will not be taken lightly. While isolated incidents cannot define the overall quality of railway catering, they underscore the need for constant vigilance and stricter compliance with hygiene norms. As Indian Railways serves millions of meals every year, maintaining passenger trust depends not only on timely service but also on ensuring that every meal meets basic standards of cleanliness and safety.
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