10 Lumding Division stations earn FSSAI 'Eat Right Station' tag
Synopsis
Ten railway stations across Assam's Lumding Division, including Silchar, Karimganj, and Diphu, have received FSSAI's 'Eat Right Station' tag — a two-year certification covering food safety, hygiene, and nutrition. The move extends national food safety benchmarks to mid-tier stations in India's Northeast, directly benefiting thousands of daily rail passengers.
Key Takeaways
10 railway stations under Lumding Division, Northeast Frontier Railway awarded FSSAI 'Eat Right Station' certification.
The Divisional Railway Manager's office canteen at Lumding was also included in the certification.
Certification is valid from 29 March 2026 to 29 March 2028 , per FSSAI guidelines.
Certified stations span nine districts of Assam, including Cachar, Sribhumi, Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Hojai, Nagaon, Morigaon, and Golaghat.
The award follows a comprehensive audit of food stalls, catering units, hygiene practices, waste management, and nutritious food availability.
The certification is part of FSSAI's flagship 'Eat Right India' initiative promoting safe and sustainable food practices nationwide.
Ten railway stations under the Lumding Division of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), along with the Divisional Railway Manager's office canteen at Lumding, have been awarded the prestigious "Eat Right Station" certification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in a move aimed at ensuring safe, hygienic, and quality food for rail passengers across the region. The certification is valid from 29 March 2026 to 29 March 2028.
Stations That Received the Certification
The ten stations honoured with the FSSAI Eat Right Station tag are spread across multiple districts of Assam. These include Silchar (Cachar district), Karimganj (Sribhumi district), New Haflong (Dima Hasao district), Diphu (Karbi Anglong district), Lumding and Lanka (Hojai district), Chaparmukh (Nagaon district), Jagiroad (Morigaon district), and Sarupathar (Golaghat district).
The Divisional Railway Manager's office canteen at Lumding has also been included in the certification, reflecting the administration's own commitment to food safety standards.
What the Audit Covered
NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma stated that the recognition follows a comprehensive audit of food stalls, catering units, and food handlers at each of these locations. The audit evaluated strict compliance with food safety standards, hygienic food preparation practices, safe storage protocols, effective waste management systems, and the availability of nutritious food options for passengers.
According to Sharma, the achievement reflects close coordination among railway officials, health inspectors, catering units, authorised vendors, and station management teams in upholding high standards of cleanliness and food safety.
About the 'Eat Right India' Initiative
The "Eat Right Station" certification is part of FSSAI's flagship "Eat Right India" initiative, a nationwide programme promoting safe, healthy, and sustainable food practices. Railway stations certified under this scheme are evaluated on multiple parameters covering the entire food supply chain — from sourcing and preparation to serving and waste disposal.
This is part of a broader effort by Indian Railways to align its catering infrastructure with national food safety benchmarks, particularly in regions that see high footfall of long-distance travellers.
NFR's Broader Commitment to Passenger Amenities
The Northeast Frontier Railway, headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates across the Northeastern states as well as seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar. The railway zone has been progressively working to enhance passenger amenities across its network.
With this latest round of certifications, NFR signals its intent to extend quality food safety standards beyond major junctions to smaller and mid-tier stations — a step that directly benefits daily commuters and long-distance passengers alike. Further stations under the zone are expected to undergo FSSAI audits in the coming months.
Point of View
But its real value lies in what happens after the audit — not during it. Food safety at Indian railway stations has historically suffered from lax post-certification monitoring, with standards slipping once the inspectors leave. The fact that mid-tier stations like Chaparmukh and Jagiroad are now included is a meaningful expansion beyond the usual showcase junctions, but the two-year certification window must be backed by surprise follow-up audits. NFR's Northeast mandate also means it serves some of India's most geographically isolated passengers — for whom a safe meal on the platform is not a luxury but a necessity.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FSSAI 'Eat Right Station' certification?
The 'Eat Right Station' certification is awarded by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to railway stations that meet strict standards for food safety, hygiene, safe storage, waste management, and availability of nutritious food. It is part of FSSAI's broader 'Eat Right India' initiative promoting safe and sustainable food practices nationwide.
Which stations under Lumding Division received the Eat Right Station tag?
The ten certified stations are Silchar, Karimganj, New Haflong, Diphu, Lumding, Lanka, Chaparmukh, Jagiroad, and Sarupathar, along with the Divisional Railway Manager's office canteen at Lumding. These stations are spread across nine districts of Assam.
How long is the Eat Right Station certification valid?
The certification awarded to the Lumding Division stations is valid for two years, from 29 March 2026 to 29 March 2028, in accordance with FSSAI guidelines.
What does the audit for Eat Right Station certification involve?
The audit covers a comprehensive review of food stalls, catering units, and food handlers at each station. It evaluates compliance with food safety standards, hygienic preparation, safe storage, waste management, and the availability of nutritious food options for passengers.
What is Northeast Frontier Railway and where does it operate?
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is a zonal railway headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati. It operates across the Northeastern states of India, as well as seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar.
