IRCTC crackdown on unapproved food and water: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has intensified checks against unauthorised food and water items on trains, with over 8,000 bottles seized during enforcement drives. The action is aimed at curbing unauthorised sales and improving passenger safety.

As part of the drive, IRCTC has formed Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to carry out inspections at trains and railway stations in coordination with the commercial department of Indian Railways. The teams are checking for unauthorised packaged drinking water, food and beverage products and other items that do not meet prescribed standards.

In the Lucknow region, IRCTC officials inspected 117 trains between July 28 and August 8 and seized 5,241 bottles of unauthorised packaged drinking water.

In the Chandigarh region, 51 trains were inspected, resulting in the seizure of 3,108 bottles of unauthorised packaged drinking water. During two surprise inspections at Ambala, officials also seized 13 cartons of unauthorised products, including ice cream and flavoured milk.

Similar checks were carried out at other locations. At Sabarmati BG railway station, IRCTC officials found unauthorised packaged drinking water and buttermilk being loaded onto trains. The items were seized for further action.

At Howrah, unauthorised food and beverage items were seized and disposed of during a surprise inspection. QRT teams also carried out inspections across Guwahati, Kamakhya, Agartala, Katihar, New Jalpaiguri and Dibrugarh, where unauthorised packaged drinking water and food items were seized.

In a statement, IRCTC said that QRT teams have been activated in all zones and regions of IRCTC to check sale of unapproved food & beverage items. It also advised catering service providers not to load, stock or sell unauthorised food and beverage items. It has also warned that violations could lead to strict action under the applicable licence terms.