1 min readOct 15, 2026 07:08 PM ISTIRCTC partners with QCI to audit food safety and hygiene on trains and at railway stations (Image: IRCTC)IRCTC Food Safety: IRCTC is introducing a digital monitoring system to tighten checks on food safety and hygiene at catering units on trains and railway stations. For this, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has signed an agreement with the Quality Council of India (QCI) to bring its catering operations under a third-party audit mechanism.The initiative aims to improve food safety checks, monitor hygiene standards, and make catering vendors more accountable for the quality of food served to railway passengers.Under the agreement, QCI will inspect catering units managed by IRCTC on trains and at stations. The inspections will check food preparation and storage, staff hygiene, medical fitness, the use of protective equipment and pest control.Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More