IRCTC steps up enforcement against unauthorised food sales on trains

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a comprehensive crackdown targeting unauthorised food and water vendors operating on trains, confiscating a range of non-compliant products including packaged water, ice cream, and other beverages.

The enforcement action forms part of a broader initiative to address food safety violations and ensure that only approved vendors and products meet prescribed hygiene and quality standards. IRCTC teams have been conducting systematic inspections across train services to identify and remove items that do not carry necessary regulatory clearances or safety certifications.

The crackdown encompasses both packaged goods and prepared food items being sold through unofficial channels on board. Officials have emphasised that the drive aims to protect passenger health and maintain standards across the railway catering ecosystem, which serves millions of travellers daily across India's extensive rail network.

Railways have increasingly prioritised passenger safety in recent years, with multiple initiatives to upgrade food handling protocols and vendor accountability. The enforcement action underscores IRCTC's commitment to regulating the supply chain and eliminating unvetted products from circulation on trains.