The issue of food safety in transport has always been a subject of debate all around the world. However, it becomes more serious in countries like India, where millions of people take trains every day. Despite the fact that there is a whole other subsidiary, managed by Indian Railways, called Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), that manages the catering services to maintain a standard of hygiene and quality, especially on premium trains, we frequently heard problems related to the quality of food provided on board.
With the increase in preference for speed and comfort, any slight mishap regarding food safety can raise serious concerns about accountability. The problem of food safety is even more relevant now, considering the recent complaints about food safety in the Vande Bharat Express train travelling from Agra to Varanasi. In one instance, a passenger claimed to have found a bug in a breakfast served during one of their trips on this train. The news quickly went viral across social media platforms. Notwithstanding the embarrassment, the IRCTC instantly reacted to the whole controversy publicly.
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A train passenger complained about finding a bug in his breakfast while travelling on the Vande Bharat Express
The controversy began when an X user, identified as a journalist named Mayank, shared a post highlighting the alleged presence of a bug in the onboard meal. The tweet included visuals of the food item and raised serious questions about the hygiene standards maintained in premium trains like Vande Bharat. In his tweet, Mayank wrote in Hindi, saying,
Today, I had an extremely bad experience on the Vande Bharat Express (train number 20176) traveling from Agra to Varanasi. A bug was found in the breakfast served in coach C13 @IRCTCofficial @RailMinIndia @VandeBharatExp Sir, please ensure action is taken.
Furthermore, he added,
Is this what we pay for with this ‘premium’ service? Such tampering with passengers’ health will not be tolerated.
हम इसी ‘प्रीमियम’ सर्विस के लिए पैसे देते हैं? यात्रियों की सेहत के साथ ऐसा खिलवाड़ बर्दाश्त नहीं किया जाएगा|
— Journalist Mayank (@Journalistp4ub) May 1, 2026
How did IRCTC respond to the post?
Soon after the post gained traction, IRCTC responded publicly through its official X handle. In its reply, the organisation acknowledged the complaint and asked for more details about the incident.
IRCTC wrote,
We apologize for the inconvenience. Please send your P.N.R. and mobile number (DM) directly via message so that we can provide an appropriate resolution to the issue.
असुविधा के लिए खेद है। कृप्या अपना पी.एन.आर. और मोबाइल नंबर (DM) सीधे मैसेज करें ताकि हम समस्या का उचित समाधान कर सकें। https://t.co/Si4A1xzmPh
— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) May 1, 2026
Later on, IRCTC gives an update regarding the incident. They said that authorities have fined the service provider and that the certain kitchen unit where his food was made has been sealed for further cleaning. IRCTC also informed the user that an investigation has also been initiated regarding the incident.
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They wrote,
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A heavy fine has been imposed on the service provider, and the kitchen unit has been completely sealed for thorough cleaning and pest control. A detailed investigation of this matter is also underway for further corrective action.
सेवा प्रदाता पर भारी जुर्माना लगाया गया है, और किचन यूनिट को पूरी तरह से साफ़-सफ़ाई और कीट नियंत्रण के लिए सील कर दिया गया है। आगे सुधारात्मक कार्यवाही के लिए इस मामले की विस्तृत छानबीन भी की जा रही है।
— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) May 1, 2026
How did netizens respond to the incident?
The post instantly went viral, receiving several shares and comments about the quality of food served by the train’s caterers. Most people expressed their curiosity regarding the reason why such a mistake happened, even though the train was in a luxury category and charged more money for the tickets. Although some people acknowledged the swift response from the authorities, some were still critical, pointing out that such incidents continue to surface despite repeated assurances.
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Have a look at some of the responses:
I have said it multiple times, when there will be a list of worst Rail Ministers, Mr @AshwiniVaishnaw will top that list!
Good for nothing!
Worst Rail minister India ever had.— Logan (@iamdb2020) May 1, 2026
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यही होगा ना जब रेलवे अधिकारी चमचागिरी में ज़्यादा समय देगें और इंस्पेक्शन के नाम पर खानापूर्ति करेगे।@IRCTCofficial अब कौन सा बहाना देगे।सिर्फ़ फाइन से तो सुधार मुमकिन नहीं हैं कभी लाइसेंस कों रद्द करिए या जाँच के नाम पर ठेकेदार से सेटिंग कर के मलाई लेना ही मक़सद है।
— Sunil (@Sachaikesaath) May 1, 2026
Imagine the quality of food that they are serving in normal train
— nobody (@noobody789) May 1, 2026
जितना जल्दी हो सके उतनी जल्दी
रेलवे से खाना पीना का सिस्टम बंद हो.
ज़ब swiggy और zomato ट्रेन में खाना पहुंचा ही दे रहा है.— K v navratna (@k_navratna) May 2, 2026
Standard of catering in Indian Railways needs a massive overhaul. How long do we have to endure this negligence? @IRCTCOfficial @RailMinIndia @RailwaySeva @consumerforum_ @ZeeNews @Mayankkuma41082 @fssaiindia
— Prats (@Prats86819219) May 1, 2026
What do you think about this? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments section of this article.
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