Bhubaneswar: Cleanliness and quality of food has always been a concern for passengers travelling in several long-distance trains in the country. Despite clear instructions to catering agencies by the Railway Ministry, there has been no considerable improvement in the scenario yet.
Such mismanagement and poor services have now come to fore in New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express after passengers today detained the train at Tatanagar station alleging that they were served stale food.
As per the complaint filed with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, the passengers travelling in B-5 coach of the train were served stale food including half-cooked chicken, parathas and curry at around 11 AM today. Passengers alleged that it was the left-over dinner that was again served to them.
“Instead of its scheduled arrival at 5 PM yesterday, the train arrived at 10 PM and dinner was served at 11:30 PM. As it was already late, many passengers had slept without waiting for the meals. However, the left over dinner food was again served in lunch today,” said a woman passenger travelling in the train.
Moreover, the passengers have also complained about several others problems in the train including lack of water and dirty washrooms.
The passengers have further alleged that though they had brought such issues to the notice of the concerned pantry manager and other officials including the TTE, no steps were taken.