New Delhi, March 19: Indian Railways has implemented QR code-enabled identity cards and digitally traceable food packets to eliminate unauthorised vending and enhance onboard catering services, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament on Thursday.
In a reply in the Lok Sabha, the minister said QR-enabled identity cards are now mandatory for all catering staff, including vendors and helpers. These codes are linked to critical details such as vendor identity, Aadhaar number, medical fitness, and police verification, ensuring authenticity and accountability.
Additionally, QR codes on food packets provide traceability by displaying key information such as the source kitchen and date of preparation, further strengthening transparency in food services.
To improve quality, hygiene, and food safety, Indian Railways has introduced measures including sourcing meals from designated base kitchens, commissioning modern kitchen facilities, installing CCTV cameras for monitoring food preparation, and using branded raw materials. Food Safety Supervisors have also been deployed to enforce hygiene standards.
Compliance with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India norms has been made mandatory for all catering units. Regular food sampling, third-party audits of pantry cars and base kitchens, and customer satisfaction surveys are also being conducted to maintain quality standards.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is also conducting regular training programmes to enhance staff skills, particularly in customer service, as part of efforts to modernise and standardise onboard catering services.
