Patna : Food served on premium trains passing through Patna, including Rajdhani and Vande Bharat services, is set to come under closer monitoring through AI-based cameras and QR-coded meal packets.
The initiative is being prepared in the Patna region to strengthen monitoring of food preparation, handling and supply amid efforts to address passenger concerns over catering services.
According to railway officials, two AI-enabled HD cameras will be installed at relevant IRCTC base kitchens to monitor catering-related activities and food materials.
Patna IRCTC Base Kitchen To Connect With Delhi
The IRCTC base kitchen in Patna is also being upgraded as part of the new monitoring system.
The AI-based cameras installed at the kitchen will be connected to the IRCTC headquarters’ war room in Delhi, allowing officials there to monitor catering activities remotely.
The Railway Board has also approved cameras for the pantry cars of major premium trains.
The proposed system will cover major services linked to Patna, including Tejas Rajdhani, Duronto, Dibrugarh Rajdhani and Vande Bharat Express.
Other long-distance trains passing through Patna, Danapur and Patliputra Junctions may also be brought under the monitoring system.
AI Cameras To Monitor Food Quality
The AI-enabled HD cameras will monitor activities related to food preparation and handling at base kitchens and pantry cars.
Premium trains are being given particular attention because meal services are included with passenger bookings on several such services.
The technology is intended to strengthen monitoring of food-quality standards and catering operations. Railway and IRCTC officials will also be able to keep closer track of complaints related to meals served to passengers.
QR Codes To Provide Meal Details
Meal packets supplied from IRCTC base kitchens will carry QR codes.
Passengers will be able to scan the code to find out which base kitchen prepared the meal. Information about the materials used in preparing the food will also be available through the QR-based system.
The move is intended to provide greater transparency about the source and preparation of meals supplied on trains.
Passengers Can Raise Complaints
The QR-based system will also help passengers report food-quality and other catering-related complaints.
After scanning the code, passengers will be able to identify the relevant base kitchen and submit a complaint. This could help railway authorities trace the issue to the kitchen responsible for supplying the meal.
The new system is part of efforts by the Railways and IRCTC to increase the use of technology in food-quality monitoring, accountability and passenger feedback on premium trains passing through the Patna region.
