19 March,2026 03:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. File Pic
Indian Railways has introduced QR code-enabled identity cards and digitally traceable food packets to improve passenger safety and eliminate unauthorised vending on trains, reported the IANS.
The move was highlighted in Parliament on Thursday by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
To ensure that only authorised staff serve passengers, Indian Railways has made it mandatory for all onboard catering staff, vendors, and helpers to carry QR code-enabled identity cards. These QR codes allow passengers and officials to verify the authenticity of vendors.
The QR code displays important details such as the vendor's name, Aadhaar number, medical fitness status, and police verification records. This step is aimed at building trust and ensuring that passengers are served only by verified personnel, according to the IANS.
In addition to ID cards, QR codes have also been introduced on food packets. These codes provide information about the source of the food, including the name of the kitchen and the date of preparation, the news agency reported.
This system helps passengers check the quality and freshness of the food they consume, while also discouraging unauthorised vendors from selling unverified items on trains.
Indian Railways has also taken several steps to improve hygiene and food quality. Meals are now being supplied from designated base kitchens, many of which have been upgraded with modern facilities as per IANS reported.
CCTV cameras have been installed in these kitchens to monitor food preparation. The use of standardised and branded raw materials such as cooking oil, flour, rice, and dairy products has also been encouraged to maintain consistency and quality.
Additionally, Food Safety Supervisors have been deployed at base kitchens to ensure that hygiene standards are strictly followed during food preparation.
To further strengthen food safety, all catering units must obtain certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Regular inspections and food sampling are conducted to ensure compliance with safety norms, the news agency reported.
Third-party audits are also carried out to evaluate hygiene standards in pantry cars and kitchens. Passenger feedback is collected through customer satisfaction surveys, helping authorities improve services based on real experiences.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation regularly conducts training programmes for catering staff. These sessions focus on improving customer service skills as well as maintaining hygiene and professionalism onboard.
With these measures, Indian Railways aims to provide safer, cleaner, and more reliable catering services to passengers. The use of technology like QR codes not only ensures transparency but also helps eliminate unauthorised vendors, making train travel more secure and comfortable.
(With IANS Inputs)
