Vigilance Raid Uncovers Stale Food, Unauthorised Equipment at Kalyan Station Lounge

A surprise inspection by the railway vigilance team at the Origin AC Waiting Lounge at Kalyan railway station on Sunday uncovered several irregularities, including the presence of spoiled food items and the use of cooking equipment despite restrictions on cooking within the station premises.

The inspection team found spoiled chicken and eggs along with other food items in unhygienic conditions, raising concerns over the quality and hygiene of food being prepared and served to passengers at the lounge. The vigilance team also found several electrical appliances being used to prepare food inside the premises, including electric griddles, a sandwich griller, an electric induction cooktop, an oven, and a deep fryer.

According to the inspection findings, the appliances were being used to prepare items such as chicken frankies, French fries, pizza, tea, and burgers. The seized equipment was subsequently sent to the Parcel LPO for further action. The inspection team reportedly found frozen chicken, momos, noodles, red chicken, and eggs in a spoiled and unhygienic condition, raising questions over their storage, handling, and the hygiene standards being maintained at the passenger facility.

The findings are particularly significant as the lounge caters to railway passengers, making compliance with food-safety and railway regulations an important requirement. The vigilance team also found an unauthorised vendor operating at the facility, who did not possess a valid identity card, medical certificate, and other mandatory documents required for vending at the railway premises.

The vendor was handed over to the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Kalyan, for further action. A vigilance official said Vibha Gupta is the authorised contractor of the AC waiting lounge but was not present at the time of the inspection. The inspection has brought several alleged violations to the attention of the railway authorities, particularly concerning unauthorised vending, food storage, and the use of cooking equipment inside the station premises.

Further action is expected based on the findings of the vigilance inspection and the documents submitted by the team. The railway authorities will likely take steps to ensure that the lounge complies with food-safety and railway regulations, and that passengers are provided with safe and hygienic food.

The incident highlights the importance of regular inspections and monitoring of food facilities at railway stations to ensure that passengers are protected from food-borne illnesses. It also underscores the need for strict enforcement of food-safety regulations and penalties for non-compliance.

In conclusion, the vigilance raid at Kalyan station's AC waiting lounge has uncovered significant irregularities, including spoiled food and unauthorised cooking equipment. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring food safety and hygiene at public facilities, particularly those that cater to large numbers of people.

The railway authorities must take immediate action to address the issues raised by the inspection and ensure that passengers are provided with safe and hygienic food. This includes taking steps to prevent unauthorised vending, ensuring that food storage and handling practices are improved, and enforcing penalties for non-compliance with food-safety regulations.

Ultimately, the safety and well-being of passengers must be the top priority for railway authorities, and incidents like this must be taken seriously to prevent harm to passengers.