Vande Bharat Express Food Incident Triggers Widespread Traveler Concerns
A social media post detailing a passenger's distressing experience with food served on the Vande Bharat Express has rapidly gained attention, fueling intense discussions among travelers about food quality and hygiene standards on Indian railways, including premium services. What began as a single account has evolved into a broader conversation, highlighting growing unease over meal safety on trains.
Passenger Reports Severe Health Issues After Consuming Train Meals
Ayushi Singh, a resident of Ranchi, shared her alarming ordeal from a recent journey. She recounted that after eating food provided on the Vande Bharat Express, she developed a severe allergic reaction. Compounding the issue, her two-year-old son also fell ill, suffering from diarrhea after consuming the same meal. Ayushi was traveling in coach E1 of train number 22500 on March 27, 2026.
Describing the situation as critical, she called for immediate action to address the matter. To substantiate her claims, Ayushi included photographs and a medical prescription from Maa Ram Pyaari Superspeciality Hospital in Ranchi with her post, adding credibility to her health concerns.
Complaints Extend to Food Quality and Staff Responsiveness
Beyond the health scare, Ayushi expressed deep disappointment with how her complaint was managed by the railway staff. In her post, she wrote, "Worst quality food provided on Vande Bharat Express and insensitive attitude of staff towards complaints. This is my medical prescription describing severe allergy after consuming food in Vande Bharat 22500."
She further noted that the water served on the train had an unusual taste, raising additional questions about overall hygiene practices and safety protocols onboard. These observations have amplified worries among frequent travelers regarding the consistency of service standards on high-speed trains.
IRCTC Issues Official Response to the Allegations
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has officially responded to the incident. In a statement, they said, "Lunch on Train No. 22500 BSB-DGHR Vande Bharat Express (Coach E1) on 27.03.2026 was checked & found satisfactory. No other complaints received regarding quality, hygiene or safety of food on the day."
According to IRCTC, their internal checks revealed no issues with the food served that day, and they emphasized that no other passengers reported similar problems. This response aims to reassure the public but contrasts sharply with the passenger's firsthand account, highlighting a potential gap in oversight or communication.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on a passenger's social media post and the response received from the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The publication has not independently verified the claims.
