New Delhi: The Vande Bharat Express, known for its high-speed and luxury service, has recently come under scrutiny over the quality of food served to passengers. Despite being a premium service, there have been repeated complaints about the meals, with some passengers finding insects, including cockroaches, in their food.

On Sunday, Congress MP Manickam Tagore raised his concerns over the food quality on the Vande Bharat Express. After passengers reported finding insects and cockroaches in their meals, Tagore took to social media to criticise the railway's response.

Tagore questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express, asking if a mere Rs. 50,000 fine was enough to hold those responsible accountable. He pointed out that the fine was insufficient and called for stricter action and reforms to ensure passenger safety and dignity.

"Dear @narendramodi ji, imagine being served cockroaches & insects in your meals repeatedly for 8 months. Will a mere Rs 50,000 fine suffice to ensure accountability? Strict action & systemic reforms are overdue for passenger safety & dignity," Manickam Tagore B said in a post on X.

Contaminated food sample triggers penalty

Following complaints from passengers, an investigation into the food served on the Tirunelveli-Chennai Egmore Vande Bharat Express revealed that a food sample had been contaminated. The IRCTC acknowledged the issue, stating that a penalty of Rs. 50,000 had been imposed on the contractor, Ms Brindavan Food Products, which provided the meals.

"For this negligence, a penalty of Rs. 50,000 has been imposed on the contractor Ms Brindavan Food products, and further action is being pursued. The Railway is conducting a detailed investigation into the incident, considering all possibilities regarding the source of the contamination," it said.

Actor R Parthiban also raises concerns

This is not the first time that food quality on the Vande Bharat has raised eyebrows. In October, well-known director and actor R Parthiban publicly expressed his disappointment with the food. In response, the Salem divisional railway manager issued an apology and promised action against the caterer responsible.