Vande Bharat, the superfast express train under Indian Railways, is well-known for its speed and sleek design. However, questions are being raised about the quality of amenities provided during the journey. The train has faced several incidents related to unclean food, and once again, it’s in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
In a recent incident, a passenger traveling from Shirdi to Mumbai on the Vande Bharat train discovered a live cockroach in the dal served onboard.
The passenger, Rikki Jeswani, took the issue to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to report it.
In his post, he tagged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, eCateringIRCTC, IRCTCofficial, VSOMANNA_BJP, and Ravneet Bittu.
Jeswani expressed his frustration, writing,
“We in Vande Bharat train now from Shirdi to Mumbai were eating dinner and found a dead cockroach in the dal…confirmed by the manager…given a written complaint 16103 dt 19.08.2014…is this new India.”
@AshwiniVaishnaw @eCateringIRCTC @IRCTCofficial @VSOMANNA_BJP @RavneetBittu we in vande bharat train now from shirdi to mumbai were eating dinner and found a dead cockrach in the dal…confirmed by the manager…given a written complaint 16103 dt 19.08.2014…is this new india..
— Rikki M Jeswani (@JeswaniRikki) August 19, 2024
Images and videos of the cockroach floating in the dal and the overall poor quality of food served on the Vande Bharat train quickly went viral. Another passenger reported finding dead cockroaches in other food items, and one mentioned that the curd served to him was stale.
@AshwiniVaishnaw Dead cockroach found in Dal served in today’s Vande Bharat Exp from Shirdi to CSTM. This issued was raised with IRCTC manager who confirmed it. Also the curd served was sour and of poor quality. All passengers feared & avoided the food in C5 coach
— Dr Divyesh Wankhedkar (@DrDivyesh1) August 19, 2024
@AshwiniVaishnaw Dead cockroach found in Dal served in today’s Vande Bharat Exp from Shirdi to CSTM. This issued was raised with IRCTC manager who confirmed it. Also the curd served was sour and of poor quality. All passengers feared & avoided the food in C5 coach
— Dr Divyesh Wankhedkar (@DrDivyesh1) August 19, 2024
The TC admitted that food served is of poor quality & food contractor is supplying substandard food and one such incident occurred in the morning train . Immediate & strong action should be taken.
IRCTC manager: Narendra Mishra & Alok singh
Food contractor: M/S Express food— Dr Divyesh Wankhedkar (@DrDivyesh1) August 19, 2024
Services Sainagar Shirdi . @VandeBharatExp @PMOIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw @RailMinIndia pic.twitter.com/QDVlKtJLps
— Dr Divyesh Wankhedkar (@DrDivyesh1) August 19, 2024
In response, IRCTC issued an apology on X, stating, ”
Sir, the inconvenience caused to you is deeply regretted. The matter has been viewed very seriously. Penalty has also been imposed upon the service provider, and officials have been deputed to thoroughly inspect the kitchen unit of the service provider.”
Sir,
The inconvenience caused to you is deeply regretted. The matter has been viewed very seriously. Penalty has also been imposed upon the service provider and officials have been deputed to thoroughly inspect the kitchen unit of the service provider.
— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) August 20, 2024
The Penalty amount should be given to the aggrieved passenger
— William (@lewiswilliam23) August 21, 2024
Other passengers of the Vande Bharat Express also shared their experiences in the comments section.
I was traveling from kolkata in first class ac & ordered rice & egg curry. Food was delivered in Kharagpur. I found two dead cockroaches in rice. Filed complaint but nothing happened. This was in late eighties. So, nothing changed in so many years.
— Tony Drump (@notsuredotcom) August 20, 2024
A 1000 of Passenger Serving food in one Train , Why IRCTC not ensuring the Food Quality ?
Why not IRCTC appoint a Special Person from his Side ?
In all train Pantry to Serve HOT Meal , But in Real they are serving Cold Meal OnlyWorst IRCTC Management…
— sathishj24 (@sathishj24) August 21, 2024
A 1000 of Passenger Serving food in one Train , Why IRCTC not ensuring the Food Quality ?
Why not IRCTC appoint a Special Person from his Side ?
In all train Pantry to Serve HOT Meal , But in Real they are serving Cold Meal OnlyWorst IRCTC Management…
— sathishj24 (@sathishj24) August 21, 2024
What are your thoughts on the food quality of Vande Bharat trains? Share your opinions in the comments.
