Kalpa Media House | Hubballi |
In response to the special food safety inspection drive conducted at railway stations across Karnataka by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, South Western Railway (SWR) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing passengers with safe, hygienic and high-quality food and catering services.
The Railway said it has already launched an intensive 14-day Special Food Safety Drive across all its divisions in accordance with the directives of the Railway Board.
The ongoing drive focuses on comprehensive inspections of catering and vending establishments, with special attention to hygiene, cleanliness, the validity of FSSAI licences, expiry dates of food products, food storage practices and overall food-handling standards.
428 Catering Establishments Under Monitoring
South Western Railway said its food safety monitoring mechanism covers 428 catering establishments across the Bengaluru, Mysuru and Hubballi divisions.
The establishments under regular monitoring include:
- 34 major catering units
- 272 minor catering units
- 122 IRCTC units
- 38 pantry cars
Key base kitchens and other catering facilities
The inspections are aimed at ensuring that all Food Business Operators comply with the prescribed food safety and hygiene standards.
Over 1,200 Food Safety Inspections in 2025-26
During the 2025-26 financial year, Railway Food Safety Officers conducted 1,243 inspections across the South Western Railway network.
As part of the enforcement process, officials issued 129 Improvement Notices to establishments requiring corrective action. A total of 528 food samples were collected and analysed, of which 512 were found fully compliant with the prescribed standards.
Strict legal and adjudication action was initiated in cases involving food samples that were found unfit for consumption, the Railway said.
271 Inspections Already Conducted This Financial Year
The Railway has continued its enforcement efforts during the current 2026-27 financial year.
Up to July 2026, Railway Food Safety Officers had already conducted 271 inspections and issued 29 Improvement Notices.
A total of 170 food samples were collected for testing during the period. Of these, three samples were found unfit, following which statutory proceedings were initiated against the concerned operators.
Surprise Inspections and Penalties
Apart from regular food safety inspections, South Western Railway has also stepped up surprise inspections to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
During the 2025-26 financial year, officials conducted 4,373 surprise inspections and imposed penalties amounting to ₹5.22 lakh for violations.
In the current financial year, up to July 2026, an additional 1,377 surprise inspections were conducted, resulting in penalties of ₹64,000.
SWR : Action Against Violating Vendors
The Railway has taken note of specific irregularities reported at certain catering establishments, including improper food storage, unauthorised packaging, the use of unapproved food colours and the stocking of expired food items.
Field officials use contractual and penal provisions to initiate action against defaulting Food Business Operators. Depending on the nature and seriousness of violations, action may include the issuance of show-cause notices, financial penalties and termination of contracts.
South Western Railway said such regulatory enforcement is part of its regular monitoring mechanism and is aimed at ensuring that vendors strictly comply with prescribed food safety standards.
Commitment to Passenger Safety
South Western Railway reiterated that maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene and quality remains a key priority. The Railway said it will continue to take decisive action against any catering or vending operator found violating the prescribed norms.
The ongoing special food safety drive is expected to further strengthen monitoring and regulatory oversight across railway stations and catering facilities in Karnataka, ensuring safer and more hygienic food services for passengers.
Contact us for News and Advertising: Whatsapp 9008761663, 9481252093 – info@kalpa.news
