Indian Railways Imposes ₹5.13 Crore Fine, Issues 54 Show-Cause Notices, - 7th August 2026 - Ministry of Railways - Gazette Notification PDF
Issued by Ministry of Railways
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Railways on 7th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary This report details the Indian Railways' efforts to ensure food safety and hygiene, highlighting the imposition of ₹5.13 crore in fines and the termination of six contracts for violations over the last three years. The Ministry of Railways has implemented a multi-layered inspection mechanism and technological upgrades, such as QR codes and CCTV monitoring, to enhance transparency. These findings were formally presented by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Rajya Sabha on August 7, 2026.
Key Points / Main Content
Penal Actions and Enforcement
- Imposed fines totaling ₹5.13 crore and issued 54 show-cause notices for food quality and hygiene violations.
- Terminated 06 contracts and debarred defaulting licensees, with a public list of debarred entities maintained on the IRCTC website.
- Conducted regular and surprise inspections by Railway and IRCTC officials, including specialized Food Safety Officers.
Infrastructure and Monitoring Enhancements
- Established modern, designated Base Kitchens at identified locations to centralize food production.
- Installed CCTV cameras in Base Kitchens to facilitate real-time monitoring of food preparation.
- Deployed Food Safety Supervisors at Base Kitchens and on-board IRCTC supervisors on trains to oversee hygiene practices.
Quality Control and Technology Integration
- Introduced QR codes on meal packets, providing passengers with the packing date, licensee name, and FSSAI license number.
- Mandated FSSAI certification and the use of popular, branded raw materials for all food production.
- Implemented a monitoring mechanism involving regular food sampling, third-party audits, and customer satisfaction surveys.
Operational and Hygiene Standards
- Enforced regular deep cleaning and periodic pest control in both Base Kitchens and Pantry Cars.
- Provided mandatory training for catering staff to improve skills in communication, personal grooming, and service standards.
- Focused inspections on staff deployment, equipment maintenance, and adherence to prescribed food handling and storage standards.
Impact Analysis
Catering Licensees Impact Licensees face stricter regulatory oversight and severe financial or operational penalties for non-compliance, including public debarment. Action Required Must adhere to FSSAI norms, utilize branded raw materials, and implement QR code labeling on all meal packaging.
Catering and On-board Staff Impact Staff are subject to increased surveillance via CCTV and on-site supervisors, with higher expectations for service and hygiene. Action Required Must undergo regular training sessions focused on hygiene, personal grooming, and professional communication.
Traveling Passengers Impact Passengers benefit from improved food safety, higher quality standards, and increased transparency regarding the origin of their meals. Action Required Can utilize QR codes for information and provide feedback through customer satisfaction surveys.
IRCTC and Railway Officials Impact These bodies are responsible for maintaining a multi-layered inspection framework and ensuring the accountability of third-party vendors. Action Required Must conduct consistent surprise inspections, food sampling, and manage third-party audits to ensure regulatory compliance.