Indian Railways is accelerating its digital push to improve passenger safety and food quality. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament that QR code-enabled ID cards and digitally traceable food packets have now been introduced across the network.
The initiative aims to curb unauthorised vendors and ensure that every meal served onboard meets strict verification standards. All staff, including helpers and vendors employed by licensees, are now required to carry QR-enabled identity cards. These allow instant verification of credentials such as name, Aadhaar details, medical fitness certificate and police verification status, ensuring only authorised personnel are involved in passenger services.
QR Codes Bring Food Transparency
The digital tracking system now extends to meals as well. Every food packet carries a QR code that provides key details, including the base kitchen where it was prepared and the date of production. This enables real-time traceability, ensures accountability for freshness, and helps authorities quickly identify the source of any hygiene-related issues.
Upgrading Railway Kitchens
To improve food quality, Railways has adopted a multi-layered approach aligned with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India norms:
- Meals are sourced from designated, technology-enabled base kitchens.
- CCTV monitoring ensures hygiene standards during food preparation.
- Only approved, branded ingredients such as oil, rice, pulses and dairy products are used.
- Dedicated Food Safety Supervisors oversee daily kitchen operations.
Third-Party Audits and Feedback
To maintain consistency, third-party audits are conducted regularly for pantry cars and base kitchens. FSSAI certification is mandatory for all catering units. In addition, passenger feedback surveys and regular training of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation staff are being used to continuously improve service quality.