Rats Infest Indian Railway Pantry Car, Causing Outrage Among Passengers
Passengers traveling on the long-distance 11099 Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Madgaon Express were left appalled when they discovered several mice feasting on their food in the pantry car. The incident, which took place on October 15, has sparked outrage on social media, leading to questions about the hygiene standards of Indian Railways.
Mangirish Tendulkar, a passenger who witnessed the shocking scene, captured videos of the rodents enjoying a meal intended for the passengers. He shared these videos on social media, drawing attention to the dire situation and raising concerns about the health risks associated with such unhygienic conditions.
When Tendulkar reported the incident to an RPF constable, he was met with indifference. The constable dismissed the problem, suggesting that there were hundreds of rats residing on the tracks, so a few entering the pantry car shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Seeking further assistance, Tendulkar contacted the Assistant Station Manager, who in turn summoned the Pantry Manager. Unfortunately, even the Pantry Manager expressed helplessness, acknowledging the extensive rat infestation and the challenges it presented.
In a bid to address the issue, Tendulkar filed a complaint on the Rail Madad App, resulting in a response from an executive who promised to penalize the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation). However, it remains unclear how Central Railway and other authorities involved will respond to the incident and the viral videos.
Following the widespread circulation of these videos, the IRCTC acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and claimed to have taken appropriate action. They assured passengers that pantry car staff had been instructed to prioritize hygiene and cleanliness, while measures for effective pest and rodent control were being implemented.
In the footage shared by Tendulkar, it is evident that the rodents have taken over the pantry car. One mouse can be seen climbing onto an uncovered utensil and grabbing food, while another dips its face into the supplies before scurrying away. The footage also reveals mice running around the pantry platform, where freshly chopped vegetables as well as other packets of food, ingredients, dishes, and utensils were stored.
Passengers and the public at large are understandably alarmed by this incident. It raises serious concerns about the maintenance and cleanliness practices of Indian Railways. Hygiene should be a top priority, especially when catering to the health needs of countless passengers who rely on the railway system for their travel.
As the videos circulate online, it is expected that the authorities will address the matter urgently and take necessary steps to ensure such incidents are not repeated. Passengers deserve a safe and hygienic environment when traveling, and it is crucial that decisive action is taken to eradicate the rat infestation in the pantry cars.
While Indian Railways has promised to tackle the issue and maintain hygiene standards, only time will tell if their efforts will be effective in providing a pest-free environment for passengers to enjoy their meals on long-distance journeys.
