Vande Bharat passenger’s complaint prompts ₹50,000 fine for the food supplier

The passenger filed the complaint soon after the train departed from Madurai. The Southern Railway, after conducting an investigation, found that the contaminated food originated from the main kitchen in Tirunelveli run by Brindavan Food Products.

A routine journey on the Tirunelveli-Chennai Egmore Vande Bharat Express turned sour for a passenger when black insects were found in the sambar served during the journey. The incident prompted swift action by Southern Railway officials, who slapped a fine of ₹50,000 on Brindavan Food Products, the catering service responsible for the food.

The passenger lodged the complaint soon after the train departed from Madurai. The Southern Railway, after conducting an investigation, found that the contaminated food originated from the main kitchen in Tirunelveli run by Brindavan Food Products. Officials offered the passenger alternative food at Dindigul station, but he was refused.

Details of the investigation

Investigation revealed that the insect was found on the lid of the sambar serving container. Following the complaint, a food safety officer, health inspector and chief commercial inspector conducted a thorough inspection at the Tirunelveli base kitchen. Food samples were selected for testing to ensure comprehensive analysis and reporting.

Congress member Manikam Tagore, who represents Tamil Nadu, also raised concerns on social media, questioning the hygiene standards and accountability of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Tagore appealed to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnau to take steps to ensure food safety in premium services like Vande Bharat. “What steps are being taken to address this issue and ensure food safety on premium trains?” Tagore tweeted.

Previous incidents

This is not an isolated case of food contamination in Vande Bharat trains. A few months earlier, a passenger claimed to have found a cockroach in the food served on board, which also sparked a public outcry over the quality of food served on these premium trains.

About Vande Bharat trains

Vande Bharat Express, part of the government’s ambitious ‘Make in India’ initiative, is renowned for its high-speed capabilities, world-class amenities and enhanced safety standards. However, repeated concerns about the quality of in-flight food pose a challenge to maintaining the company’s reputation for premium service.

As investigations continue and food samples sent for testing, the railway has reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and quality service, guaranteeing stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

(WITH THE HELP OF THE AGENCY)