Woman Reports Severe Adverse Reaction Following Vande Bharat Express Meal, Contradicting IRCTC Assessment of Satisfactory Quality

Food Safety Concerns on Indian Trains Emerge Following Passenger's Health Episode

A recent incident on the Vande Bharat Express has sparked renewed discussion around food safety standards on Indian trains. On March 27, 2026, a passenger, identified by her X handle @AyushiS54377868, experienced severe health symptoms shortly after consuming a meal served onboard during her journey from Varanasi to Deoghar.

According to her account, the passenger, who was seated in coach E1, began experiencing symptoms shortly after eating lunch. Her reaction escalated rapidly, and she reported developing severe swelling, which required medical attention. She later shared images that showed visibly inflamed lips along with a doctor's prescription. The passenger noted that timely treatment prevented further complications.

Tragically, her two-year-old son also fell unwell during the journey, experiencing diarrhoea after eating the same meal. The family sought medical care within 24 hours, which aided their recovery.

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In addition to concerns about the food, the passenger questioned the quality of drinking water served onboard, describing its taste as unusual.

The IRCTC responded publicly to the incident, stating that the meal service on that particular journey had been checked and met expected standards. However, the passenger expressed dissatisfaction with the response, arguing that the absence of other complaints did not invalidate her experience.

Recent Incidents Raise Concerns Over Food Safety on Indian Trains

This incident emerges alongside a series of recent complaints linked to catering services on the same train network. In a separate incident that circulated widely on social media, passengers alleged that worms were found in a sealed curd packet served during a journey.

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The Ministry of Railways has taken action in response to the recent incidents, imposing fines of Rs 10 lakh and Rs 50 lakh on IRCTC and the service provider respectively. The incidents highlight the need for improved food safety standards on Indian trains to protect the health and well-being of passengers.