Indian Railways to implement QR Code-Enabled Identity Cards and Digitally Traceable Food Packets

Indian Railways has announced a significant step toward improving onboard catering services and eliminating unauthorized vending.

QR Code-Enabled Identity Cards:
- All authorized catering staff will carry digitally verifiable ID cards.
- Passengers can scan the QR code to confirm the staff’s authenticity.

Digitally Traceable Food Packets:
- Each meal served onboard will carry a QR code, allowing passengers to trace its source and verify that it comes from approved vendors.
- Ensures transparency in food preparation, packaging, and distribution.

Measures Taken
● Supply of meals from designated Base Kitchens.
● Commissioning of modern Base Kitchens at identified locations.
● Installation of CCTV Cameras in Base Kitchens for better monitoring of food preparation.
● Shortlisting and use of popular and branded raw materials, like cooking oil, atta, rice, pulses, masala items, paneer, dairy products etc. for food production.
● Deployment of Food Safety Supervisors at Base Kitchens to monitor food safety and hygienic practices.
● Deployment of on-board IRCTC supervisors on trains.
● Regular deep cleaning and periodical pest control in Base Kitchens and Pantry Cars.
● In order to ensure compliance with Food Safety Norms, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification from designated Food Safety Officers of each catering unit has been made mandatory.
● Regular food sampling as a part of the inspection and monitoring mechanism to ensure quality of food on trains.
● Third Party Audit is done to examine hygiene and quality of food in Pantry Cars and Base Kitchens. Customer satisfaction survey is also conducted.
● Surprise inspections by Food Safety Officers.
● Regular training is conducted by IRCTC to enhance the skills of catering staff, focusing on customer service areas i.e., communication, courteous behaviour, service standards, personal grooming, and hygiene.

Why It Matters
- Passenger Confidence: Travelers can be assured that food is safe, hygienic, and supplied by verified vendors.
- Curbing Unauthorized Vending: Helps eliminate unlicensed sellers who often compromise quality and safety.
- Digital Transformation: Reflects Indian Railways’ broader push toward smart, tech-enabled passenger services.

This initiative is part of a larger modernization drive, aligning with the government’s focus on digital governance and passenger welfare. It’s a clever blend of technology and service assurance that could set new standards for railway catering worldwide.