Railway officials conduct surprise checks to ensure quality, pricing and hygiene of food served to passengers in Waltair Division

Waltair Division of East Coast Railway has initiated a special drive to ensure the quality, quantity, and fair pricing of food and beverages served to passengers on long-distance trains and at food stalls at railway stations under its jurisdiction. This surprise drive, which began in November, was launched to address complaints of overcharging by vendors, to encourage digital payments and to create awareness.

A 20-member team, comprising senior supervisors and staff from the Commercial Department, carried out surprise checks at food stalls at Visakhapatnam railway station and in various trains to ensure food safety standards and adherence to the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) rule. Surprise checks were carried out at more than 10 stalls and all the defaulting vendors were warned and penalised, according to a statement issued by K. Saandeep, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, on Monday.

In addition to checking food quality and pricing, Waltair Division authorities have taken several measures to combat unauthorised vending. RPF (Railway Protection Force) personnel have been deployed, and the Commercial Department has intensified its checks.

As part of efforts to ensure hygiene and cleanliness, Food Safety Officers will certify each catering unit, and regular customer satisfaction surveys are being carried out to find out passenger experiences. Additionally, Railway and IRCTC officials, including Food Safety Officers, continue to conduct both scheduled and surprise inspections.

The ongoing drives will continue across the Waltair Division to maintain high standards of food quality, ensure fair pricing and guarantee the availability of essential services provided by vendors in pantry cars and for train-side vending.