Patna: The Railways conducted a major catering inspection drive at Patna Junction on Monday, checking the quality of food and drinking water being served to passengers on trains.
Acting on instructions from the Railway Board, the Commercial Department of the Danapur Division carried out a “fortress check” of pantry cars and mini-pantries between 8 am and 10 pm.
The inspection covered around 20 trains, with particular attention to food quality, hygiene, pricing and the availability of approved packaged drinking water.
34 cartons of water seized
During the inspection of train No. 15667, officials found 34 cartons of “Aqua Dabh” packaged drinking water in the pantry car. The Railways deemed the brand unauthorised and unapproved and immediately seized the stock.
The concerned pantry car manager was issued a stern warning and directed to comply strictly with prescribed railway rules and standards.
Pantry services examined across 20 trains
A team of commercial inspectors led by Pradeep Kumar, ACM/TC, Danapur, inspected pantry cars of trains arriving at and departing from Patna Junction.
The inspection included trains such as 12309, 12393, 12303, 15657, 12367, 12391 and 13239, among others.
Officials checked several aspects of onboard catering, including:
- Quality and hygiene of food
- Cleanliness of pantry cars
- Food storage and handling practices
- Display and implementation of prescribed rate lists
- Correct weight and measurement of food items
- Availability and pricing of packaged drinking water
- Issuance of bills or receipts to passengers
- Personal hygiene of catering staff
Staff directed to follow catering standards
The inspection team instructed pantry car managers and catering personnel to serve passengers only approved food and beverages that meet prescribed standards.
Staff members were also counselled against irregularities and directed to ensure compliance with railway catering rules.
The inspection forms part of the Railways’ efforts to monitor onboard catering services and ensure that passengers receive food and beverages that meet prescribed quality, hygiene and pricing standards.
