IRCTC Enhances Food Quality and Hygiene for Train Passengers

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has initiated a new program in collaboration with the Quality Council of India (QCI) to enhance food quality and hygiene for train passengers. This initiative includes independent audits and digital monitoring to ensure compliance with safety standards. Certified experts will conduct surprise inspections of food units on trains and at stations, focusing on various aspects such as food safety, kitchen cleanliness, and employee hygiene. With a 24-hour reporting deadline, the program aims to address any shortcomings swiftly, ultimately improving the dining experience for travelers. This significant step is expected to bolster accountability among catering service providers and enhance overall passenger satisfaction.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 16, 2026, 16:17 IST

New Initiative for Food Quality Improvement

A significant update has emerged for travelers using rail services regarding food quality and cleanliness. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of food served on trains and at railway stations. Under an agreement signed on October 15, 2026, with the Quality Council of India (QCI), a new independent and technology-driven audit system will be implemented to assess catering services. This initiative aims to provide passengers with safe, clean, and high-quality meals.

Agreement Between IRCTC and QCI

As part of this new system, certified experts from the Quality Council of India will inspect food units operating on trains and at railway stations. Inspections will occur without prior notice, and quarterly and semi-annual audits will be conducted to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

Comprehensive Food and Kitchen Inspections

The new system will not only evaluate the food served to passengers but will also focus on the processes involved in food preparation and safe storage. Various critical aspects will be examined during inspections.

Key Inspection Areas

Food Quality: Ensuring the safety of meals served to passengers and adherence to established standards.

Kitchen Cleanliness: Assessing the hygiene and cleanliness of food preparation areas.

Food Storage: Proper segregation of raw ingredients and maintaining appropriate temperatures for food safety.

Employee Hygiene: Checking the medical fitness of staff and the use of necessary safety equipment.

Pest Control: Ensuring measures are in place to prevent pests in kitchens and food storage areas.

These inspections aim to identify negligence in catering services and promptly address any shortcomings.

Digital Monitoring and Timely Reporting

A notable feature of this initiative is the use of digital technology in the inspection process. Inspectors will utilize a mobile app to document inspection records, including location details, timestamps, and photographs, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

A 24-hour deadline has been set for submitting reports, allowing for quick identification of issues and monitoring corrective actions against catering service providers. Violations may lead to actions against the respective license holders as per applicable regulations.

Benefits for Passengers

For passengers traveling long distances by train, the quality and cleanliness of food are of utmost importance. The new audit system is expected to facilitate more organized monitoring of catering services and prompt responses to complaints.

This will enhance oversight from food preparation kitchens to the serving of meals on trains, potentially increasing accountability among catering service providers.

Monitoring Compliance with Regulations

The railway and IRCTC have previously conducted inspections related to unauthorized food sales and hygiene issues at stations and on trains. The new system aims to strengthen oversight through independent audits and digital records.

Overall, the agreement between IRCTC and the Quality Council of India marks a significant step towards providing better catering services for rail passengers. The focus will now be on improving food quality and hygiene at trains and railway stations through inspections, digital reporting, and corrective actions.