Bengal: ER inspects food stalls at Howrah, Sealdah and Malda town stations

Kolkata, Aug 20 (IANS) As the government stresses food safety and hygiene, Eastern Railway (ER) officials conducted surprise inspections at licensed stalls at major stations under its jurisdiction.

Inspections were conducted at the Howrah, Sealdah and Malda Town stations to ensure strict adherence to food quality and hygiene.

At Howrah, Uday Shankar Jha, principal chief commercial manager (PCCM), ER, accompanied by Rahul Ranjan, senior divisional commercial manager (Sr DCM), Howrah Division, led an extensive inspection focused on food preparation standards, cleanliness, and vendor compliance.

Kartik Singh, Sr DCM, Malda Division, took part in the exercise at the Malda Town station. He reviewed food stalls and sanitation arrangements to ensure passenger well‑being and safe catering services.

At Sealdah, Pawan Kumar, chief commercial manager/freight marketing (CCM/FM), and Sunil Kumar Mahala, Sr DCM, conducted a detailed audit of catering units and hygiene practices.

These inspections were conducted at the direction of Gitika Pandey, general manager, ER, to ensure passengers have access to safe and hygienic food.

A senior official said that while Howrah and Sealdah are originating and terminating stations for several important long‑distance trains as well as suburban ones, routine inspections are important to keep things in check.

Malda Town is also an originating and terminating station. Several important trains pass through this station, and passengers often get off to purchase food. The surprise inspections will keep vendors on their toes.

Apart from packaged food, some stalls also sell unpackaged savouries. During the inspection, the officials checked if they were stored properly to prevent spoilage. They also checked for pests. Officials examined the manufacturing and expiry dates on the food packages.

“Safe and hygienic food is a must for passengers. We have to ensure people do not fall ill while travelling. Regular drives are also carried out against unauthorised food vendors on trains. We urge passengers not to purchase food from unauthorised vendors as it may be unsafe,” the official added.

ER said such drives will continue to ensure passengers get good-quality, hygienic food.

“ER remains dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and catering quality across all stations to ensure an exemplary travel experience,” ER CPRO Shibram Majhi stated.

–IANS

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