ILLEGAL food vendors have long been a concern at Bhopal Railway Station, and recent inspections show the problem persists despite repeated checks. Passengers often complain about unhygienic food and unauthorised sales, raising serious concerns about health and safety. In a surprise inspection, authorities took action against 19 illegal vendors operating on platforms 1, 2, and 3 and collected samples of food items from station stalls and the food plaza for laboratory testing.

 

The inspection was carried out under the guidance of Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Saurabh Kataria, with a team that included Assistant Commercial Managers, catering inspectors, health inspectors, and commercial supervisors. The team not only checked the quality of food but also verified hygiene standards and the validity of licenses.

 

Samples collected during the inspection will be sent to a laboratory to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. Kataria stressed that passenger health and safety would never be compromised and assured that strict action would continue against vendors violating rules. He highlighted that while regular inspections are conducted, illegal vendors sometimes return, making it a continuous challenge for railway authorities. Travelers at Bhopal Railway Station often face the risk of consuming substandard or unsafe food due to these unauthorised vendors.

 

The recent crackdown demonstrates the railway administration’s commitment to maintaining hygiene and safety at the station. However, it also underscores the persistent challenge of keeping unauthorised vendors at bay and ensuring consistent compliance with food safety standards. Authorities have reiterated that such measures will be carried out regularly, sending a clear message that violations will not be tolerated.