IRCTC seizes over 8,000 bottles in crackdown on unauthorised train items
IRCTC says it has intensified checks on trains and stations, forming Quick Response Teams to seize unauthorised water and food. Regional drives in Lucknow and Chandigarh accounted for the majority of seizures, with additional action at Ambala, Sabarmati, Howrah and other locations.
Key takeaways
- IRCTC has intensified checks on trains and railway stations to suppress unauthorised water and food items.
- Regional drives in Lucknow and Chandigarh accounted for the bulk of seizures, with additional actions at Ambala, Sabarmati and Howrah.
- QRTs are now active in all zones, and catering providers have been warned to comply with standards or face licence-term action.
What Happened
IRCTC reports a broad enforcement drive against unauthorised water and food items on trains, supported by newly formed Quick Response Teams that operate with the Indian Railways’ commercial department. The drive resulted in the seizure of more than 8,000 bottles of unauthorised packaged drinking water and related items across multiple regions and locations.
In the Lucknow region, inspections of 117 trains between late July and early August led to the seizure of 5,241 bottles of unauthorised packaged drinking water. The Chandigarh region looked at 51 trains and seized 3,108 bottles of unauthorised packaged drinking water. During two surprise checks at Ambala, officials seized 13 cartons of unauthorised products, including ice cream and flavoured milk. Other locations reported seizures of unauthorised items during checks conducted by QRTs at various stations and rail routes.
At Sabarmati BG railway station, authorities found unauthorised packaged drinking water and buttermilk being loaded onto trains and seized them for further action. Howrah also saw seizures of unauthorised food and beverage items during a surprise inspection. QRT teams have been activated in all zones and regions to monitor the sale of unauthorised food and beverage items, and catering service providers have been advised not to load, stock, or sell such items. Violations may attract action under applicable licence terms.
Why It Matters
The enforcement drive aims to curb unauthorised items and enhance passenger safety by ensuring that food and water sold on trains meet prescribed standards. The action represents a coordinated effort between IRCTC and the commercial department of Indian Railways to reduce unauthorised offerings and reinforce compliance among catering providers.
Background
The operation reflects IRCTC’s ongoing efforts to regulate onboard provisions and prevent the distribution of unapproved consumables aboard trains and at stations. The formation of Quick Response Teams indicates a structured, regionally distributed approach to enforcement across zones.
Key Facts
- Over 8,000 bottles of unauthorised packaged drinking water and related items seized in enforcement drives.
- Lucknow region: 117 trains inspected, 5,241 bottles seized.
- Chandigarh region: 51 trains inspected, 3,108 bottles seized.
- Ambala: two surprise inspections resulted in 13 cartons of unauthorised products seized (including ice cream and flavoured milk).
- Sabarmati BG station: unauthorised packaged drinking water and buttermilk found and seized.
- Howrah: unauthorised food and beverage items seized during a surprise inspection.
- QRTs activated in all zones; catering providers warned against loading or selling unauthorised items.
- Violations may lead to action under applicable licence terms.
What Happens Next
IRCTC notes that Quick Response Teams remain active across zones to continue checks. The organisation has advised catering service providers to comply with standards and warned that violations can incur licence-based penalties, indicating ongoing monitoring and enforcement across the network.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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