The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), an integral part of the vast Indian Railways system, was established in 1999 with the aim of enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers. Over the years, IRCTC has become synonymous with efficiency, convenience, and innovation within the railway sector.
IRCTC plays a crucial role in managing culinary and hospitality services throughout the Indian Railways network. It operates numerous pantry and catering units to ensure passengers receive nourishing meals during their journeys. Nevertheless, like any large organization, IRCTC encounters occasional challenges.
Primarily, these challenges revolve around the quality and hygiene of the food provided. One such issue recently garnered widespread attention when videos surfaced showing rats allegedly nibbling on food within the pantry car of the LTT-Madgaon Express. This incident understandably raises significant concerns regarding the cleanliness standards upheld by Indian Railways. The video went so viral that it captured the attention of IRCTC itself.
Rats Feasting on Food in LTT-Madgaon Express
On Wednesday, a disturbing video emerged on social media, revealing mice consuming food inside a pantry section on a long-distance train. This unsettling incident took place aboard the 11009 LTT Madgaon Express.
A concerned passenger, identified as @mangirish_tendulkar, shared videos of the incident on Instagram. The incident reportedly occurred on October 15. The passenger inadvertently stumbled upon this distressing scene while attempting to capture an image of the train’s engine. The passenger described the incident, stating,
Being a rail fan I thought of recording the engine coupling to the train so I started walking towards the end. This is where the real shock began. The Pantry Car was almost at the middle of the train which was a Garib Rath liveried coach where i could see at least 6-7 rats of which i could film only 4.
Nevertheless, when he raised the issue with a Railway Protection Force (RPF) officer, the official purportedly commented,
Look under the tracks, there are 500-600 rats. What is the problem if 5-6 of them get inside?
The initial video displays a mouse feasting on uncovered food while perched on a kitchen utensil within the pantry car. Another mouse then joins the scene, expressing clear disregard for the meal. The subsequent video exhibits multiple mice scuttling about the pantry area, amidst a disarray of exposed food packages, cooking equipment, and open containers containing chopped vegetables.
This video quickly garnered virality on various social media platforms, including the renowned X account named Mumbai Matter, which also shared the footage. It has evoked considerable concern among social media users, many of whom have taken to X to urge the Indian Railways to take swift action. There has been widespread criticism of IRCTC for its perceived inadequate facilities.
Here’s the video:
https://x.com/mumbaimatterz/status/1714620648381968787?s=20
IRCTC responded to the viral video
Upon recognizing their oversight, IRCTC promptly addressed the viral video, assuring that appropriate measures would be taken against those accountable for the incident. In response to the aforementioned video, IRCTC issued the following statement:
The matter is viewed seriously and suitable action has been taken.Pantry Car Staff have been sensitised to ensure hygiene and cleanliness in the pantry car. The concerned have been suitably advised to ensure effective pest and rodent control measures which is being ensured.
https://x.com/IRCTCofficial/status/1714683101551747160?s=20
