Indian Railways Imposes ₹5.13 Crore Fine, Issues 54 Show-Cause Notices, Terminates 6 Contracts and Debars Defaulting Licensees for Food Quality and Hygiene Violations During the Last Three Years

The Ministry of Railways reported that Indian Railways, which serves about 58 crore meals annually, received only 0.0008 % food‑quality complaints on average. In response to complaints over the past three years, IRCTC imposed fines totalling ₹5.13 crore, issued 54 show‑cause notices, terminated six contracts and debarred several licensees for food‑quality and hygiene violations. To strengthen food safety, the Railways have commissioned modern base kitchens, installed CCTV cameras, introduced QR codes on meal packets, deployed food‑safety supervisors, ensured mandatory FSSAI certification, and conduct regular surprise inspections and third‑party audits. The list of debarred licensees is available on the IRCTC website.