It is the continuous endeavor of Indian Railways (IR) to provide good quality and hygienic food to passengers. The following measures have been taken in this regard:

• Supply of meals from designated Base Kitchens.
• Commissioning of modern Base Kitchens at identified locations.
• Installation of CCTV Cameras in Base Kitchens for better monitoring of food preparation.
• Shortlisting and use of popular and branded raw materials, like cooking oil, atta, rice, pulses, masala items, paneer, dairy products etc. for food production.

• Deployment of Food Safety Supervisors at Base Kitchens to monitor food safety and hygienic practices.
• Deployment of on-board IRCTC supervisors on trains.
• Introduction of QR codes on food packets, enabling display of details like name of kitchen, date of packaging etc.
• Regular deep cleaning and periodical pest control (every 15 days) in Base Kitchens and Pantry Cars.
• In order to ensure compliance with Food Safety Norms, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification from designated Food Safety Officers of each catering unit has been made mandatory.
• Regular food sampling as a part of the inspection and monitoring mechanism to ensure quality of food on trains.
• Third Party Audit is done to examine hygiene and quality of food in Pantry Cars and Base Kitchens. Customer satisfaction survey is also conducted.
• Regular and surprise inspections by Railway/ IRCTC officials, including Food Safety Officers.
• Implementation of rationalized menu in trains so as to introduce items of regional cuisines/preferences, seasonal delicacies, food items, as per the preferences of different groups of passengers, such as diabetic food, baby food, health food options including millet based local products, etc.

Regular training is conducted by IRCTC to enhance the skills of catering staff, focusing on customer service areas i.e., communication, courteous behavior, service standards, personal grooming, and hygiene.

Food items in trains are sold at the pre-notified tariff. In order to provide information regarding rates of catering items over Indian Railways, regular passenger awareness is undertaken through SMS/Mails, display of menu and tariff by waiters, etc. Further, regular and surprise inspections, including special Inspection Drives, are carried out by Railway/ IRCTC officials.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar