New Delhi, Mar 19 (TNT) : Indian Railways has rolled out QR code-enabled identity cards for authorised catering staff and introduced digitally traceable food packets to curb unauthorised vending and improve onboard food safety for passengers.
Unauthorised hawking and vending in passenger areas is prohibited under Section 144 of the Railways Act, 1989, and is punishable by law.
The Railways, along with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), conducts regular inspections and special drives to prevent unauthorised vendors from entering trains and railway premises.
To ensure authenticity of catering personnel, QR code-based identity cards have been made mandatory for vendors, helpers and staff deployed on trains.
The QR codes provide key details including name, Aadhaar number, medical fitness and police verification status. Food packets are also being tagged with QR codes indicating the source kitchen and date of preparation.
As part of efforts to improve quality and hygiene, meals are being supplied from designated base kitchens, with modern facilities being set up at identified locations. CCTV cameras have been installed in base kitchens to monitor food preparation processes.
The Railways has mandated the use of standardised and branded raw materials such as cooking oil, flour, rice, pulses, spices, paneer and dairy products.
Food Safety Supervisors have been deployed at base kitchens, while onboard supervisors from IRCTC monitor catering services during train journeys.
Additional measures include regular deep cleaning and pest control in kitchens and pantry cars, mandatory certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and routine food sampling to ensure compliance with safety norms.
Third-party audits, surprise inspections and customer satisfaction surveys are also being conducted to maintain hygiene and service standards.
Catering staff are provided regular training to improve communication, service quality, personal grooming and hygiene.
The details were provided by Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
TNT KS
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