Vande Bharat Train Passenger Claims Cockroach Found In His Food, Post Goes Viral. IRCTC Responds

A Vande Bharat train passenger claimed that he found a cockroach in his food raising worries about the cleanliness of onboard meals and food safety standards followed.

File Photo of Vande Bharat train | Photograph shared by a passenger in a viral X post ( Image Source :PTI | X/@iamdrkeshari )

New Delhi:  A concerning incident has surfaced on social media wherein a Vande Bharat train passenger claimed that he found a cockroach in his food raising worries about the cleanliness of onboard meals and food safety standards followed. Dr. Shubhendu Keshri, a passenger traveling from Rani Kamlapati station to Jabalpur Junction in Rewa Vande Bharat Express, allegedly found cockroaches in his meal.

He shared the photos on his social media X, saying, “I was travelling on 1/02/2024 train no. 20173 RKMP to JBP (Vande Bharat Exp) I was traumatized by seeing dead COCKROACH in the food packet given by them," wrote the passenger on his post on X, as per reports of Mint.

I was travelling on 1/02/2024 train no. 20173 RKMP to JBP (Vande Bharat Exp)
I was traumatized by seeing dead COCKROACH in the food packet given by them.@narendramodi @AshwiniVaishnaw @drmjabalpur @wc_railway @Central_Railway @RailMinIndia @IRCTCofficial @fssaiindia @MOFPI_GOI pic.twitter.com/YILLixgLzj

— डाॅ. शुभेन्दु केशरी ⚕️👨‍⚕️ (@iamdrkeshari) February 2, 2024

In response to the viral post,  Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) promptly initiated an investigation, acknowledging the severity of the issue and expressing regret for the distress caused to Dr. Keshri. Additionally, IRCTC affirmed its commitment to reinforcing monitoring to prevent similar lapses in the future.

"Sir, our sincere apology for the experience you had. The matter is viewed seriously, and the hefty penalty has been imposed on the concerned service provider. Moreover, monitoring has been strengthened at the source," the IRCTC responded.

Sir, our sincere apology for the experience you had.The matter is viewed seriously, and the hefty penalty has been imposed on the concerned service provider. Moreover, monitoring has been strengthened at the source.

— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) February 3, 2024

As the post gained traction several users expressed shock and disgust while some took it as an opportunity to poke fun. Here are some of their reactions.

Disturbed to see that why channel partners are violating food safety norms.

— Geek (@aarna4312) February 3, 2024

Thanks for exposing the quality , never gonna order in railways from now..

— _Ashish_2.0🏹☯️☮️🦉📸 (@_ashish_somkuor) February 3, 2024

That's so traumatic. Imagine the pain the cockroach must have gone through 😛

— Nisha Tomar (@nisha31389) February 3, 2024

Extra protein

— Gojo satoru (@abbysince90) February 3, 2024

Notably, Vande Bharat Express trains are known for their luxurious services, high-quality safety, and speed.