Railways imposes over Rs 4.4 Crore fine on contractors for service lapses

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur: The Indian Railways has imposed fines exceeding Rs.4.4 crore on catering contractors in the last six months due to complaints about subpar food quality, unhygienic conditions in coach toilets, and lack of water during train journeys. Additionally, over Rs.1 crore in penalties have been levied on on-board housekeeping and other contractors for similar lapses. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has acknowledged the Railways’ efforts to improve passenger service quality.

Zonal and divisional officers have been actively taking action based on complaints received through social media, the Rail Madad portal, and the 139 helpline. A dedicated team in the Railway Board’s control room is working 24/7 to monitor and address passenger grievances. Upon receiving a complaint, officials immediately reach out to passengers and resolve their issues while directing concerned contractors to pay fines based on the severity of the complaint.

Between April and October, fines ranging from Rs.25,000 to Rs.1 lakh were imposed on catering contractors for poor food quality, and the presence of insects or cockroaches in meals. Notably, a Rs.10 lakh fine was imposed on a contractor associated with the Dehradun Shatabdi Express. In total, 1,750 catering complaints led to fines of Rs.25,000 each, while 30 major food-related complaints were fined Rs.1 lakh each.

The Railways has also been penalizing contractors for maintaining unhygienic conditions in coaches, including dirty bedrolls, faulty switches, ACs, escalators, and lighting systems at stations. Fines ranging from Rs.10,000 to Rs.20,000 were imposed for these irregularities.