Patna: The Indian Railways has taken strict action following complaints about substandard food served on Vande Bharat Express Train No. 21896, which runs from Patna to Tatanagar. The Ministry of Railways imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and a Rs 50 lakh fine on the catering agency responsible, while also cancelling the agency’s contract.
The action comes after Abhishek Raj, a passenger travelling in coach C-6 on March 15, reported finding insects in the dal and expired curd during dinner. Other passengers in the same coach also reported similar issues, prompting multiple complaints.
Disappointed with the hygiene standards on the Patna-Jamshedpur Vande Bharat (Train No: 21896) Found insects in both the Dahi and Daal served in Coach C6. Is this the “premium” service we are paying for? Please take immediate action.
@RailMinIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/Ooc8h5nRqJ— Abhishek raj (@im_abhishek2402) March 15, 2026
Raj, who was travelling on an official trip to Jamshedpur, said that the pantry car staff attempted to resolve the issue informally, but he refused to withdraw his complaint. Another passenger, Ritesh Kumar Singh, filed a written complaint regarding the same incident.
An IRCTC inquiry, initiated the same day, confirmed instances of negligence in food preparation and handling. Following the preliminary findings, the Ministry of Railways issued the fines and ordered the termination of the catering agency’s contract.
Railway officials stressed that passenger safety and food hygiene remain a priority and announced that regular inspections of pantry cars across all trains will be conducted to ensure compliance with standards. Authorities have also urged passengers to report any food-related issues immediately to facilitate swift action.
