Eating on the train? IRCTC is launching 'surprise' checks to finally crack down on your 'unhygienic' meals.

Indian Railways is strengthening food safety and hygiene checks after repeated passenger complaints, with IRCTC partnering with the Quality Council of India (QCI) for independent surprise audits across trains and railway stations. Inspectors will use geo-tagged photographs and time-stamped digital records, with reports due within 24 hours, to help authorities track violations and speed up corrective action against catering vendors.

Indian Railways is stepping up checks on food quality and hygiene across trains and railway stations following repeated passenger complaints. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Quality Council of India (QCI) to introduce independent, technology-enabled audits of catering facilities across the railway network. Under the agreement, QCI will deploy certified professionals to conduct unannounced inspections of food safety and hygiene. The initiative will use digital records, photographs and location-based evidence to improve transparency and help authorities take quicker action against catering vendors that violate prescribed standards, according to a statement issued by the Railway Ministry.