Did Indian Railways Really Terminate Its Catering Contract with Hotel Rajasthan After an Assault Incident?
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Synopsis
In a bold move to ensure passenger safety, Indian Railways has terminated its catering contract with Hotel Rajasthan after a passenger was assaulted over a complaint regarding overpricing. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety and service standards on trains, highlighting the commitment of Indian Railways to uphold passenger rights.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate termination of the catering contract ensures accountability.
- The incident highlights the importance of passenger safety.
- Overcharging complaints must be taken seriously.
- Indian Railways is committed to addressing misconduct by service providers.
- Swift action was taken by the Ministry of Railways in response to the assault.
New Delhi, May 8 (NationPress) - Indian Railways has taken decisive action by terminating its catering contract with Hotel Rajasthan effective immediately, following a serious incident on the Hemkunt Express where a passenger was reportedly assaulted by catering personnel.
The Ministry of Railways announced this decision via social media platform X, emphasizing that the move was a result of a thorough investigation regarding the mistreatment of the passenger.
The event unfolded on May 6 during a journey aboard the Hemkunt Express, which operates between Rishikesh and Katra, the gateway to the Sri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
A passenger in the Third AC coach raised concerns about being overcharged for water, coffee, and noodles.
While Rail Neer water is sanctioned at Rs 15, he was charged Rs 20 for a different brand. Additionally, coffee and noodles were sold at prices exceeding the standard rates.
The passenger lodged a complaint through the RailMadad app and subsequently shared video evidence of the incident online.
Matters escalated when a group of men reportedly confronted and assaulted him in retaliation for his complaint.
The footage depicted the group attempting to forcefully remove him from his berth and physically assaulting him. He later appeared on camera showing visible injuries and damaged clothing.
The passenger accused the staff of attempting to harm him and called for stringent action.
In a prompt response, the Ministry of Railways imposed a penalty of Rs 5 lakh on the catering provider and confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) had been filed by the Government Railway Police in Kathua.
IRCTC also addressed the issue on X, stating that it had been escalated to the appropriate authorities for immediate resolution.
The cancellation of the contract is part of Indian Railways’ commitment to ensure passenger safety and to prevent overcharging and misconduct by service providers on trains.
Point of View
The incident involving Indian Railways and Hotel Rajasthan underscores the pressing need for accountability among service providers. Ensuring passenger safety should be paramount, and the swift action taken by the Ministry of Railways is a commendable step towards restoring trust among travelers.
NationPress
21/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the termination of the catering contract?
The catering contract was terminated after a passenger was assaulted by catering staff following a complaint about being overcharged for food and beverages.
What actions were taken by Indian Railways?
Indian Railways imposed a Rs 5 lakh penalty on the caterer and filed an FIR with the Government Railway Police.
