Expired Soft Drinks Served On Vande Bharat Express, Kerala Human Rights Commission Registers Case

The Kerala SHRC initiated an inquiry into reports that passengers on Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express were served expired soft drinks

The SHRC has ordered the Divisional Railway Manager to investigate and submit a report within 15 days.

Source : PTI

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of reports alleging that passengers aboard the Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20631) were served expired soft drinks during their journey on Thursday morning.

Judicial Member K. Baijunath ordered the inquiry following local media reports and passenger complaints, which claimed that soft drinks served on board were past their expiry date. According to reports, the beverages were manufactured on September 25, 2024, and expired on March 24, 2025—over two months ago. Despite raising the issue with the catering staff, passengers said their concerns were brushed aside.

The SHRC has directed the Divisional Railway Manager of the Palakkad Division to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report within 15 days. The matter is scheduled to be reviewed on June 26 at the Government Guest House in Kozhikode.

The incident has sparked renewed concern over food safety protocols on premium train services like Vande Bharat, which are marketed for their comfort and quality. The SHRC emphasized that ensuring passenger health and safety is a fundamental responsibility and must be treated with utmost seriousness.