The Indian Railways took strict action against IRCTC and a private catering vendor for serving poor quality food on the Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express. A total fine of 60 lakh rupees was imposed following a formal complaint by a passenger regarding insects in the dal and expired curd. This incident occurred on March 15, 2026, on train number 21896, and the Railway Board issued the penalty orders around March 25-26 after the investigation confirmed the lapses.
Details of the Penalty and Action Taken
The Railway Board decided to impose a heavy penalty to maintain its zero tolerance policy regarding passenger safety and food standards. The fine distribution and actions are as follows:
- IRCTC: A fine of 10 lakh rupees was imposed on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation.
- Catering Vendor: A heavy fine of 50 lakh rupees was slapped on the service provider.
- Contract Cancellation: The contract of the involved catering vendor was terminated with immediate effect.
- Passenger Complaint: The action was triggered by Abhishek Raj, who found insects and 11-day-old expired curd in his meal.
Railway Safety Standards and Monitoring
The Ministry of Railways stated that providing quality food to passengers is a top priority and any negligence will lead to strict punishment. After the video of the incident went viral, where an attendant allegedly tried to pass off insects as saffron, the board ordered regular inspections of all pantry cars. The department has appealed to passengers to report any inconvenience or quality issues through the official railway helpline or social media platforms immediately.
| Entity Involved | Penalty Amount | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| IRCTC | 10 Lakh Rupees | Fine Imposed |
| Private Vendor | 50 Lakh Rupees | Fine and Contract Terminated |
| Total Fine | 60 Lakh Rupees | Strict Disciplinary Action |
