Bhubaneswar: Validating regular claims of railway passengers’ which were often falling on deaf ears, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has rapped Indian Railways for substandard quality of food served in trains. Besides, the CAG has also highlighted on the other cleanliness and hygiene issues in the railways.
During large scale inspection at select 74 stations and 80 trains, the CAG audit found that ‘cleanliness and hygiene’ were not being maintained at catering units at stations and in trains.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India tabled a report regarding this in Parliament on Friday.
“We are happy that such irregularities have now been acknowledged in the CAG report. Things are likely to improve now as we believe that railway authorities come up with special measures to resolve such issues,” said Kishore Pradhan, a passenger.
Pradhan alleged that though the passengers are paying nearly Rs 70 to Rs 75 per meal in trains, the quality is completely poor while nobody listens to grievances.
“The agencies awarded contract for catering are to be blamed for not maintaining hygiene which may adversely affect passengers’ health. Similarly, frequent changes in law and contracts is also creating problem in maintaining quality throughout,” said Jugal Swain, another passenger.
A lot of passengers in Odisha have also stressed on special squads to regularly monitor the quality of food served in trains.
The report further stated that impure water straight from the tap was used in preparation of beverages, waste bins were not found covered, emptied regularly and washed, foodstuff were not covered to protect them from flies, insects and dust, and rats and cockroaches were found in trains.
The CAG also pointed out that bills were not given for the food items served in mobile units in trains.
"Printed menu cards with tariff for the rate list of food items sold in the mobile units were not available with waiters and catering managers in trains."
The report also highlighted that the food served was less than the prescribed quantity, unapproved packaged drinking water was sold, proprietary article depot items were sold at railway stations at maximum retail price, with weight and prices different from the open market.
With the CAG report creating a noise, passengers can now at least hope for a massive change in preparation and serving of food in trains which has always remained a major concern in the country.