Congress MP Manickam Tagore raised concerns over the declining quality of food served on the Vande Bharat Express after passengers reported finding cockroaches and insects in their meals. In a post directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had inaugurated the Vande Bharat train, Tagore criticized the “mere Rs 50,000 fine” imposed on the contractor and called for stricter action and comprehensive reforms to ensure passenger safety and dignity.
Tagore wrote on X, “Dear @narendramodi ji, imagine being served cockroaches and insects in your meals repeatedly for 8 months. Will a mere Rs 50,000 fine suffice to ensure accountability? Strict action and systemic reforms are overdue for passenger safety and dignity.”
Dear @narendramodi ji,
imagine being served cockroaches & insects in your meals repeatedly 8 months.
Will a mere ₹50,000 fine suffice to ensure accountability?
Strict action & systemic reforms are overdue for passenger safety & dignity. #RailwayQuality #VandeBharatExpress https://t.co/MLO0fj4pGq pic.twitter.com/L8NE0DZ6vU— Manickam Tagore .B🇮🇳மாணிக்கம் தாகூர்.ப (@manickamtagore) November 17, 2024
Dear @AshwiniVaishnaw ji ,live insects 🦟 were found in the food served on the Tirunelveli-Chennai #VandeBharatExpress
Passengers have raised concerns over hygiene and IRCTC’s accountability.
What steps are being taken to address this and ensure food safety on premium trains? pic.twitter.com/auR2bqtmip— Manickam Tagore .B🇮🇳மாணிக்கம் தாகூர்.ப (@manickamtagore) November 16, 2024
Following passenger complaints, the food sample from the Tirunelveli-Chennai Egmore Vande Bharat Express was found to be contaminated. The IRCTC issued a response stating that a penalty of Rs 50,000 had been imposed on the contractor, Brindavan Food Products, and further action is being pursued. The railway is also conducting a detailed investigation into the source of the contamination.
Earlier in October, director-actor R Parthiban also raised concerns about the food quality on the Vande Bharat train. In response, the Salem divisional railway manager issued an apology and assured that action would be taken against the responsible caterer.
