New Delhi: Concerns over the quality and hygiene of food served aboard the Vande Bharat Express--Indian Railways’ flagship high-speed train--have resurfaced after a disturbing incident on Tuesday.

A passenger travelling on the New Delhi-bound Vande Bharat Express discovered an insect in the dal served to him and posted a photograph on social media platform X, showing a black insect floating in the curry.

The passenger, who was seated in Coach C3, Seat 53, on Train No. 22440, drew widespread attention to the issue after his post went viral.

In response, Indian Railways issued an apology via its official RailSeva account, acknowledging the incident and expressing regret.

Following the viral post, several others came forward with similar complaints about the food served on various Vande Bharat trains, raising alarm over lapses in hygiene and quality control. Social media users called for greater accountability from Indian Railways’ catering services, demanding stricter monitoring of food vendors, regular hygiene audits, and enhanced training for catering staff.

Last year, a passenger travelling on the same train reportedly found insects in sambar. More recently, on 7 July, a dead lizard was discovered in the curry served to a passenger on the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express.