Indian Railways has officially clarified that there is no specific provision for serving Halal-certified food items across its train services and catering facilities. This statement comes in response to a notice issued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding food certification practices within the railway network.
Railways' Official Position on Food Certification
A senior Railway Board official confirmed that both Indian Railways and its catering subsidiary IRCTC strictly adhere to the guidelines established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for all food products served to passengers. The official emphasized that FSSAI standards form the primary regulatory framework for food safety and quality control within the railway ecosystem.
The clarification was formally submitted to the NHRC on November 26, 2025, addressing concerns raised about religious certification of food items. According to the railway authorities, their current food safety protocols do not include any specific provisions for Halal certification, focusing instead on general food safety parameters that apply uniformly to all food items regardless of religious considerations.
Current Food Safety Framework
Indian Railways operates one of the world's largest catering services, serving millions of passengers daily through various outlets including pantry cars, station food plazas, and online food ordering services. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India guidelines serve as the cornerstone of their food quality management system.
The railway official explained that their current framework ensures that all food products meet standardized hygiene and safety requirements without incorporating religious certification processes. This approach maintains a uniform standard for all passengers while complying with national food safety regulations.
Implications and Future Considerations
The railways' response to the NHRC notice highlights the ongoing debate about religious considerations in public service food provisioning. While some passengers have expressed preferences for religiously certified food items, the railways maintain that their current system prioritizes universal food safety standards accessible to all travelers.
The clarification establishes that Indian Railways and IRCTC will continue following FSSAI protocols rather than implementing separate certification systems for different religious dietary requirements. This position reinforces their commitment to maintaining standardized food safety practices across their extensive network while ensuring compliance with national regulatory standards.
