Rats Feast on Pantry Food on Mumbai-Goa Express Train, IRCTC Responds After Video Disgusts Internet – News18

A video which is currently doing rounds on social media shows several mice feasting on food meant for passengers in the pantry car of the Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Madgaon Express, Goa. The video has sparked massive outrage on social media and raised concerns about food safety in Indian railways. Passenger Mangirish Tendulkar, who was travelling on October 15 on the train, said that he was shocked to see at least 6-7 rats in the pantry car having a feast on the food.

He made videos of the same and put them up on social media. Tendulkar said that after filming he complained to a RPF constable there who reportedly asked him to “look on the tracks below, there are 500-600 rats there, if some 5-6 have entered inside, why do you feel so upset?”

In the video, a mouse can be seen climbing onto an uncovered utensil and grabbing some food. Another mouse has already dunked his face. Like this was not enough, there were also some mice seen running around the pantry platform with chopped vegetables. Here, have a look for yourself:

Since being uploaded, the video has gone viral and gathered backlash on social media.

“It is high time accountability is fixed, heads should roll or else this will go on as chalta hai attitude, stringent punishment should be given to the concerned contractor & authority involved for such grave lapse,” wrote an ‘X’ user. Another person wrote, “In my opinion, there should be organic food inside the train. Healthy food, fruits , only. Because however you keep food tasters , hygiene is also big question, We are making new vande Bharat train, but what about old trains with very bad toilets.”

Many people mentioned how it is best to carry home cooked food on the train.

After it garnered so much attention, IRCTC took to the platform and responded to the same. “The matter is viewed seriously and suitable action has been taken.Pantry Car Staff have been sensitised to ensure hygiene and cleanliness in the pantry car. The concerned have been suitably advised to ensure effective pest and rodent control measures which is being ensured,” read the comment by IRCTC.