16 August,2026 06:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
IRCTC said violations would attract immediate corrective and punitive action. Pic/ Special Arrangement
The IRCTC Quick Response Team (QRT) has intensified surprise inspections across trains in the West Zone, detecting violations related to unauthorised vendors, staff uniforms and identification cards.
During an inspection of Train No. 22938, operated by Rathore Caterers, at Vadodara station on August 11, two unauthorised vendors were found onboard without prescribed uniforms and valid ID cards. IRCTC recorded the violation and initiated action against the service provider.
In a separate inspection of Train No. 12480, operated by Harish Kumar Arora, at Surat station, two catering staff members were found working without the prescribed new uniforms and valid ID cards.
The service provider was directed to take immediate corrective action and ensure compliance with IRCTC norms.
IRCTC West Zone PRO Dr AK Singh said the organisation follows a zero-tolerance policy towards violations that could affect passenger service standards.
He said regular and surprise inspections are being conducted across trains and railway stations to ensure that only authorised personnel provide catering services and that prescribed norms covering uniforms, identification, hygiene and service quality are followed.
IRCTC reiterated that catering staff must carry valid QR-code identity cards, wear prescribed uniforms and comply with all applicable catering guidelines.
The organisation said violations would attract immediate corrective and punitive action under applicable rules and contractual provisions.
Meanwhile, Mumbai's booming quick-commerce network has come under the scanner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with inspections of delivery warehouses revealing lapses ranging from poor temperature control and pest infestation to improper food storage and missing safety records.
The action was part of a statewide special drive on August 13 targeting establishments selling and distributing food through online platforms such as Zepto, Blinkit, and Instamart. Across Maharashtra, the FDA inspected 86 establishments, issued 60 improvement notices and suspended 14 food-business licences, while ordering one establishment to temporarily stop business operations. No licence was cancelled.
"The health of the public will not be compromised at any cost. Citizens have the right to safe and pure food. If adulteration or the sale, storage or manufacture of prohibited substances is found, stricter action will be taken, and the crackdown will continue," FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe said.
