QR code system ensures verified catering services for rail passengers: Minister

New Delhi — The use of QR code-enabled identity cards and digitally traceable food packets has helped curb unauthorised vending and improve catering services on trains, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament.

In a reply in the Lok Sabha, the minister said that all authorised catering staff are now issued QR code-based ID cards. These cards help verify their identity by displaying details such as name, Aadhaar number, medical fitness, and police verification status.

He added that QR codes have also been introduced on food packets, allowing passengers to check details like the kitchen of origin and the date of preparation. This move aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to onboard food services.

To further improve quality, hygiene, and food safety, meals are now supplied from designated base kitchens, many of which have been modernised. CCTV cameras have been installed in these kitchens to monitor food preparation, and only branded and quality raw materials are being used.

Additionally, Food Safety Supervisors have been deployed to ensure hygiene standards are maintained, while certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India 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 carried out to maintain quality standards.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation is also conducting regular training programmes to improve the skills of catering staff, with a focus on better customer service.

With inputs from IANS