Indian Railway to crack down on unauthorised catering with QR based system, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Indian Railways has introduced QR codeenabled identity cards and digitally traceable food packets to improve passenger safety and eliminate unauthorised vending on trains reported the IANSThe move was highlighted in Parliament on Thursday by Railways Minister Ashwini VaishnawTo ensure that only authorised staff serve passengers Indian Railways has made it mandatory for all onboard catering staff vendors and helpers to carry QR codeenabled identity cards These QR codes allow passengers and officials to verify the authenticity of vendorsThe QR code displays important details such as the vendorrsquos 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 IANSDigitally traceable food packetsIn 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 reportedThis system helps passengers check the quality and freshness of the food they consume while also discouraging unauthorised vendors from selling unverified items on trainsFocus on hygiene and food safetyIndian 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 reportedCCTV 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 qualityAdditionally Food Safety Supervisors have been deployed at base kitchens to ensure that hygiene standards are strictly followed during food preparationMandatory certification and inspectionsTo 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 reportedThirdparty 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 experiencesTraining and skill developmentThe 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 onboardWith 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 comfortableWith IANS Inputs