Indian Railways Tightens Rules to Curb Unauthorised Vendors on Trains

Indian Railways has taken several steps to curb unauthorised hawking and vending in passenger areas across its network. 

According to the Railways Act, 1989, unauthorised vending inside trains and railway premises is strictly prohibited and considered a punishable offence under Section 144. 

The railway authorities regularly conduct inspections and special drives to prevent unauthorised vendors from operating on trains and at railway stations.

Strict Action Against Unauthorised Vendors

To ensure passenger safety and maintain order, officials from the Railways and the Railway Protection Force regularly conduct inspections across trains and railway premises. These inspections are aimed at identifying and removing unauthorised vendors who attempt to sell food or other items without official permission.

Special enforcement drives are also conducted periodically by railway authorities and IRCTC to strengthen monitoring and discourage illegal vending activities in passenger areas.

QR Code Identity Cards for Authorised Vendors

To improve transparency and ensure that only authorised personnel operate onboard catering services, Indian Railways has introduced QR code-enabled identity cards. These identity cards are issued to individual vendors, helpers and staff working in onboard catering services.

The QR code helps verify the authenticity of the staff by displaying important information such as the vendor’s name, Aadhaar number, medical fitness certification and police verification details. This step allows railway authorities and passengers to easily identify authorised vendors and prevents unauthorised individuals from operating on trains.

Measures to Improve Food Safety and Hygiene

Indian Railways has also introduced several initiatives to improve food quality, hygiene and safety in onboard catering services. Meals are supplied through designated base kitchens, many of which have been modernised to improve food preparation standards.

CCTV cameras have been installed in base kitchens to monitor food preparation, while food safety supervisors are deployed to ensure compliance with hygiene standards. The use of branded raw materials such as cooking oil, rice, pulses and dairy products has also been encouraged to maintain food quality.

In addition, food packets carry QR codes that provide details about the kitchen and the date of preparation. Catering units are also required to obtain certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to ensure compliance with food safety norms.

Also Read: Indian Railways Attracts $942 Million FDI, Expands Global Exports!

Conclusion

Through stricter regulations, QR code-based verification and improved food safety standards, Indian Railways aims to enhance passenger safety and service quality. These measures are expected to reduce unauthorised vending while ensuring hygienic and reliable catering services for passengers across the railway network.

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