The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has taken action following reports that bread served during breakfast on the New Delhi–Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal) Shatabdi Express had passed its printed “use by” date.
According to IRCTC, a Rs 1 lakh financial penalty has been imposed on the catering vendor concerned. The manager and other staff associated with the incident have also been removed from duty as part of the action taken.
IRCTC North Zone Manager Vivek Rawat confirmed the action and said the matter had been treated with seriousness. He said passenger safety and food quality remain a priority, and appropriate steps have been taken in accordance with established procedures.
The official said the breakfast was loaded in New Delhi by a Delhi-based catering vendor. The identity of the vendor has not been disclosed.
IRCTC said it follows multiple levels of food quality checks, including inspections before meals are loaded onto trains. An internal inquiry is underway to ascertain how the bread with the printed “use by” date was served despite these checks.
According to media reports, the incident involved breakfast served in the C-4 coach of Train No. 12002 on Saturday. After some passengers noticed the date printed on the bread packets, complaints were submitted through the Rail Madad app. Reports also said some passengers approached the consumer commission seeking appropriate action.
IRCTC said it has reinforced instructions for catering staff and is reviewing the matter to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
