One of the passengers travelling on the Tirunelveli-Chennai Egmore Vande Bharat Express found black insects in the sambar served to him on the train.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore also shared the video questioning the hygiene standards.
The passenger lodged the complaint shortly after the train departed from Madurai. Investigations revealed that the food was supplied by the Tirunelveli base kitchen managed by Brindavan Food Products, news wire PTI reported.
The officials had also offered an alternate meal at Dindigul station, which the customer declined.
The Southern Railway officials have imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on Brindavan Food Products, the service provider, and extended an apology to the passenger.
The investigation revealed that the insect was found lodged on the lid of the container in which the food was served.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore, from Tamil Nadu, had also flagged the incident. " Passengers have raised concerns over hygiene and IRCTC's accountability. What steps are being taken to address this and ensure food safety on premium trains?" he posted on X, tagging the Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The railways responded to the complaint and said that an "immediate investigation was conducted". “To further investigate the source of the contamination, a joint inspection was conducted by the Food Safety Officer, Health Inspector, and Chief Commercial Inspector from Tirunelveli at the base kitchen. Food samples were collected and sent for testing,” added the statement.
This is not the first such incident reported on a Vande Bharat train. A few months ago, a passenger claimed on social media that he found a cockroach in his meal served on the train.
Vande Bharat trains, a medium-distance superfast express service, are part of the government's 'Make in India' initiative. According to the Ministry of Railways, these trains are known for their high speed, enhanced safety standards, and world-class service.
