Rats Spotted Feeding On Food At IRCTC Stall, Video Goes Viral (Image: X @trainwalebhaiya)
Food and hygiene are long-standing concerns for passengers travelling on the Indian Railways. Recently, a shocking video emerged on social media, capturing rats enjoying open food at an IRCTC stall in the Itarsi Junction railway station in Madhya Pradesh. The video has raised serious concerns over the lack of hygiene control at railway station food stalls.
Rats on IRCTC food Inspection Duty 🤢
The Reason why i avoid eating food from Railway Station Vendors!!📍Itarsi Junction, Madhya Pradesh @IRCTCofficial @AshwiniVaishnaw @RailMinIndia #IndianRailways pic.twitter.com/8y2eXbb9td
— Saurabh • A Railfan 🇮🇳 (@trainwalebhaiya) January 6, 2024
The shocking video, which has gone viral on social media, was shared from the X handle @trainwalebhaiya, by a person named Saurabh. The 37-second viral video was uploaded with a caption that read, “Rats on IRCTC food Inspection Duty.” The video captured rats roaming amidst plates filled with snacks in a closed IRCTC stall at the Itarsi station. This has raised concerns about the quality of food served in railway stations. While sharing the video, the X user also pointed out that he personally avoids eating food from railway station vendors due to this reason.
Meanwhile, the official Railway Seva handle has responded to this video and assured that immediate action will be taken. “Please share your mobile no. preferably via DM to enable us to take immediate action,” informed the Railway Seva handle. The Railway Seva also tagged the Divisional Railway Manager, Bhopal Division, and wrote, “For necessary action, escalated to the concerned official @Bhopaldivision.” On this note, the Divisional Railway Manager replied that the matter is being notified to concerned officials.
At the same time, several users commented about the hygiene and safety of the passengers. “@IRCTCofficial management should put in place proper supervision to prevent this or their officials should be made to eat the food from here daily,” wrote a user in the comment section. Meanwhile, the railway ministry recently said that Indian Railway has been consistently making efforts to improve standards of cleanliness. As part of these initiatives, CCTV cameras have been installed in upgraded base kitchens and kitchen units for better monitoring of food preparation right at the source. The ministry also said that regular and surprise inspections are conducted by authorities.
