Indian Railways Rolls Out QR System For Passengers To Track Meals And Vendors

Indian Railways has introduced QR code‑enabled identity cards and digitally traceable food packets to remove unauthorized vending and ensure verified onboard catering services for rail passengers. According to an official release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Railways, the initiative aims to improve food quality, hygiene and safety across Indian Railways while ensuring that only authorized vendors and staff are engaged in onboard catering services.

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QR Code‑Enabled Identity Cards For Catering Staff

As per the PIB release, issuance of QR code‑enabled identity cards has been made mandatory for all authorized catering vendors, helpers and staff deployed for managing onboard catering services on trains.

The QR code on the identity card is linked to establish the authenticity of the staff member and displays details, including:

• Vendor or staff name
• Aadhaar number
• Medical fitness status
• Police verification details

The measure is intended to help establish the identity of authorized vendors and prevent unauthorized hawkers from operating in trains.

Digitally Traceable Food Packets

The PIB release further states that QR codes have been introduced on food packets supplied onboard trains. These QR codes display information such as:

• Name of the base kitchen
• Date of manufacturing

This enables traceability of food items and helps identify the source of food supplied on trains in case of quality or hygiene issues.

Action Against Unauthorized Vending

The introduction of QR‑enabled identity cards and traceable food packets is part of Indian Railways' efforts to curb unauthorized hawking and vending, which is prohibited in passenger areas and is a punishable offence under Section 144 of the Railways Act, 1989, the PIB release said.

The Ministry noted that regular inspections and special drives are conducted by designated railway officials and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to prevent the entry of unauthorized vendors in trains and railway premises.

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Measures To Improve Food Quality, Hygiene And Safety

As per the release, Indian Railways has taken several additional steps to improve catering standards, including:

• Supply of meals from designated base kitchens
• Commissioning of modern base kitchens at identified locations
• Installation of CCTV cameras in base kitchens for monitoring food preparation
• Use of popular and branded raw materials for food production
• Deployment of Food Safety Supervisors at base kitchens
• Deployment of onboard IRCTC supervisors on trains
• Regular deep cleaning and periodic pest control in base kitchens and pantry cars
• Mandatory FSSAI certification for catering units
• Regular food sampling, surprise inspections and third‑party audits
• Customer satisfaction surveys and regular training programmes for catering staff

In the release, PIB stated that these measures are expected to not only improve food safety but also enhance overall passenger confidence in onboard catering services across the railway network.