Thiruvananthapuram: Passengers have been complaining about the poor quality of food supplied onboard the Vande Bharat trains in Kerala for a while now. However, the Railways say there are no objections about the food quality, taking advantage of the passengers’ reluctance to file formal complaints, reports Manorama Online. The passengers could file complaints via the Rail Madad portal, mobile app, and the catering supervisor's register on trains. Most catering contracts are awarded directly by the railway board. Meanwhile, there has been criticism that the catering contracts for all the major trains in the country are provided to a Delhi-based company, which is a benami. This limits the railway divisions and zones in controlling the contractors.

Passengers have also suggested installing washbasins outside the toilets on Vande Bharat trains. They now have to stand in the queue outside the toilet to wash their hands. Besides, they urge the authorities to retract the order that prevents Vande Bharat chair cars from operating at night, pointing out how passengers travel in aeroplanes sitting for longer hours. The authorities have been mentioning this rule as the main reason why Vande Bharat night trains cannot be launched on the Bengaluru – Ernakulam route.

Most recent complaint
A few days ago, a passenger travelling on the Chennai – Tirunelveli Vande Bharat Express spotted an insect in their sambar while dining aboard and reported it immediately. The Southern Railways reportedly took swift action by imposing a Rs 50,000 fine on the catering contractor responsible for the substandard meal.

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