IRCTC Summons Amul After Worms Allegedly Found In Curd On Vande Bharat Train
IRCTC summons Amul after passengers allege worms in curd on Vande Bharat; fines levied on catering contractors.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has summoned Amul after passengers on the Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express reported spoiled curd containing worms, prompting concerns over onboard food safety. The incident came to light when passengers shared images and videos on social media highlighting the condition of the curd served during the journey.
Following the complaints, railway authorities fined IRCTC ₹10 lakh and penalised the private catering contractor ₹50 lakh, citing lapses in food quality management. The Railway Ministry described the matter as “serious,” noting that such incidents are unacceptable for premium services like the Vande Bharat Express. The ministry instructed IRCTC to hold suppliers accountable and take corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.
In response, IRCTC issued a notice to Amul, which supplies packaged dairy products including curd to Indian Railways. An IRCTC official confirmed that the company had been asked to provide a detailed explanation and that further action would depend on the findings. Amul stated that a comprehensive internal audit of its production and supply chain found no deviations or contamination, calling the alleged infestation “scientifically and operationally impossible.”
Also Read: Vande Bharat Food Complaint Leads To ₹10 Lakh Fine For IRCTC, ₹50 Lakh For Service Provider
Railway authorities are reviewing Amul’s quality control measures in light of the complaint. A spokesperson said the supplier has been asked to clarify how the product passed existing checks. Meanwhile, passengers’ social media posts, including a widely circulated video claiming worms were present in the curd, triggered the investigation and public scrutiny over food standards on the premium train service.
The Railway Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring passenger complaints and ensuring strict enforcement of food safety standards. The total ₹60 lakh fines imposed on IRCTC and the private contractor underscore the importance of maintaining quality on high-profile services. IRCTC will examine Amul’s response before determining whether additional measures are necessary to uphold onboard food safety.
Authorities have advised that the investigation is ongoing, and passengers are being assured of corrective actions. The case highlights the growing attention to hygiene and quality control in India’s rail catering system, especially for premium services like the Vande Bharat Express.
Also Read: Vande Bharat Food Complaint Leads To ₹10 Lakh Fine For IRCTC, ₹50 Lakh For Service Provider
