(a) whether many instances of railway travellers falling victims to
vendors serving food laced with sedatives has been reported;
(b) the number of such instance reported in Kerala bound trains;
(c) whether IRCTC has revived operation of base kitchens serving long
distance non-stop trains;
(d) if so, whether IRCTC plans to introduce raids by food inspectors
for on-board inspection of food items being serve to passengers; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) and (b): No, Madam.
(c) to (e): A new Catering Policy 2010 has been introduced w.e.f. 21.07.2010
which has laid emphasis on ensuring quality of food served on Railways. Under
policy, management and supervision of on-board catering has been brought back
to railways from IRCTC. For effecting improvements in mobile catering, an all-
India grid of base kitchens, within railway premises has been given a thrust,
as part of this policy, so as to ensure better supervision. Periodical checks
are now conducted by Inspectors under PFA Act. of on-board quality of food.