The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on a food service provider after 25 students travelling on the Mangala Lakshadweep Express reportedly fell ill during their journey from Hazrat Nizamuddin to Thrissur.

The incident involved a group of 80 students travelling on train number 12618 Mangala Lakshadweep Express, which departed from Hazrat Nizamuddin on August 28, 2026.

According to a senior IRCTC official, railway doctors provided immediate medical assistance to the affected students at Khandwa and Bhusawal stations, while the onboard IRCTC team continued to provide medical support and convalescent food for the remainder of the journey.

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According to the IRCTC, no similar complaints were received from the other students or passengers who consumed food from the same lot. A detailed inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

As a precautionary measure, food samples have been collected by railway officials at Bhusawal and sent to an authorised laboratory for testing.

“…considering the seriousness of the incident and based on the prima facie findings, a penalty of Rs 5 lakhs has been imposed on the service provider,” IRCTC said in a statement.

IRCTC cracks down on unauthorised water, food items on trains

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Last month, the IRCTC launched a crackdown on the sale of unauthorised food and water items on trains, during which more than 8,000 bottles were seized as part of enforcement drives. The action was aimed at curbing unauthorised sales and improving passenger safety.

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