The NHRC is turning up the heat on non-vegetarian food safety lapses plaguing India’s rail journeys. Demanding immediate ATRs, it has roped in the Railway Ministry, FSSAI, and Tourism Ministry to address the brewing crisis.
Travelers’ horror stories—undercooked meats, foul odors, and hospital visits—have fueled the crackdown. Peak hours see peak problems, with overcrowded pantries compromising standards.
Citing violations of the right to life and health, NHRC has outlined a roadmap: rigorous vendor empanelment, temperature-controlled storage, and transparent sourcing. Non-compliance could invite legal repercussions.
Railways is rolling out bio-metric staff tracking and drone deliveries for perishables in trials. FSSAI ramps up with mobile labs at major junctions, and Tourism pushes eco-friendly packaging norms.
Stakeholders debate root causes: from farmer-to-fork gaps to labor shortages. Consumer groups applaud the move, advocating for veg-dominant options too.
As monsoon season approaches with spoilage risks, this NHRC directive promises a safer culinary ride ahead. Watch for policy shifts that could redefine rail catering.