A passenger travelling in train number 20666 in Tirunelveli-Chennai Egmore Vande Bharat Express found an insect in a sambar served with breakfast on a train from Madurai on Saturday.
A video showing black insects floating in the sambhar drew widespread criticism. The matter escalated when Congress MP Manickam Tagore shared the video, raising serious concerns about hygiene standards on the premium Vande Bharat trains.
“Dear @AshwiniVaishnaw ji, live insects were found in the food served on the Tirunelveli-Chennai Vande Bharat Express 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?”
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
What Railways Said
The Railways also extended an apology to the passenger and promised stern action against the licensee. According to officials, the Onboard Manager, Chief Catering Inspector (CIR), Chief Commercial Inspector (CCI) and Assistant Commercial Manager (ACM) inspected the food supplied by the Tirunelveli base kitchen managed by Brindavan Food Products.
The investigation revealed that the insect was found stuck to the lid of the casserole container, appearing uncooked, suggesting possible post-preparation contamination. Officials apologised to the passenger, promised stern action against the licensee, and offered an alternate meal at Dindigul station, which the customer declined.