'Operation Pothichor': Notice issued to Vande Bharat kitchen in Kerala over hygiene violations

Thiruvananthapuram: An inspection carried out at the base kitchen in Thycaud, Kerala which prepares meals for the Vande Bharat train revealed that food was being cooked in unhygienic conditions. The finding came during a special statewide operation named 'Operation Pothichor', initiated by the Railway Police to ensure the quality of food served on trains and at railway stations.

Following the inspection, the municipal corporation's health department issued a formal notice to the kitchen authorities regarding the unsanitary environment.

The inspection at hotels and tea shops in and around Thiruvananthapuram railway station was conducted in coordination with health department officials. Operation Pothichor was carried out under the directive of Railway Police Chief.

Meanwhile, Indian Railways is preparing to unveil the design of the first AC coach of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at the upcoming International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025. The event is set to begin on 15 October at Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. The new sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat aims to bring enhanced comfort and modern features to long-distance travel.