Insect Found in Vande Bharat Train Meal, Railways Imposes ₹50,000 Fine

The Vande Bharat trains, boasting premium comforts and modernistic features, again come under scanner with the question of food quality. This time it is said that a meal served on the Tirunelveli-Chennai Vande Bharat Express contained live insects.

Vande Bharat Train Meal Incident

The controversy came to the fore when the Congress MP Manickam Tagore shared a video on X where he said the hygiene conditions are not proper at the premium trains and then raised a question over the accountability of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation(IRCTC).

Tagore tagged the Railway Minister and on food safety and hygiene in premium trains.
What measures are being taken to ensure food safety on these trains? he asked. The video instantly became viral. So fast did it go viral that the Railways itself moved to act swiftly. Southern Railway responded saying food samples from the train had been taken and sent for testing. Further actions will be taken against the food vendor who was fined ₹50,000. It was not the first instance of such an issue. Earlier, a passenger had complained about finding a cockroach in his meal served in a Vande Bharat train, that caused similar uproar on social media. Incidents like these have made it common to criticize the quality and safety level of food provided in premium trains. In fact, it is of utmost disappointment and concern among passengers. One user sarcastically commented, Why complain when they're giving you extra protein with your meal? Another passenger spoke on food quality, demanding severe action against the people involved.

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The Railways has assured the public that it is taking a thorough investigation into this matter and taking steps to ensure such events do not recur. Among these is stricter monitoring of food vendors and enhanced hygiene protocols. While Vande Bharat trains represent the modern excellence of Indian Railways, successive food safety-related incidents have always undermined this class. Food safety and hygiene are critical factors in building public trust and promising an experience with a premium feel to travel. On that count, The Railways has promised to address it comprehensively and regain confidence in its catering services.