Gonda/Lucknow: In a major crackdown aimed at safeguarding passenger health and ensuring quality services on trains, the Lucknow Division of Northeast Railway conducted a surprise inspection that led to the seizure of 930 bottles of substandard drinking water from pantry cars of two trains and the arrest of an unauthorized vendor.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Divisional Railway Manager Gaurav Agrawal and the supervision of Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Arijit Singh. The inspection team was led by Assistant Commercial Manager Omkar Nath Verma, who conducted surprise checks on trains operating under the division.
Large Quantity of Substandard Water Seized
During the inspection, railway officials recovered 680 bottles of substandard water from the pantry car of Train No. 20103 and 250 bottles from Train No. 13020.
The total 930 bottles seized during the operation were confiscated and deposited at the Railway Luggage and Parcel Office (LPO) in Gonda for further action as per railway regulations.
Officials stated that the action was taken to prevent the sale of non-compliant drinking water products that could pose a risk to passengers’ health and violate railway service standards.
Unauthorized Vendor Caught Red-Handed
During the checking drive, railway officials also apprehended an individual who was allegedly selling water and other items without authorization aboard Train No. 20103.
The accused vendor was caught in the act and subsequently handed over to the onboard personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) for legal action under the applicable railway rules and regulations.
Railway Reaffirms Commitment to Passenger Safety
Railway Public Relations Officer Mahesh Gupta said the railway administration remains committed to ensuring the health, safety, and comfort of passengers.
He emphasized that strict action will continue against individuals and entities involved in the sale of substandard products or unauthorized vending activities on trains.
The railway administration has also appealed to passengers to purchase drinking water only from authorized vendors and to ensure that the bottles carry approved brands, including Rail Neer or other railway-approved products.
Officials added that regular inspections and enforcement drives will continue across the division to maintain service quality and protect passengers from fraudulent or unsafe practices during their journey.
The latest operation highlights the railway administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen passenger safety measures and uphold standards of hygiene and quality in onboard services.
