Train Food Complaint Process: What to do if you get bad food or overcharging in the train? What is the railway number for complaints about food in trains? If the railway vendor does not pay the food bill, is it necessary to pay? How to immediately complain online about bad food in a moving train?
Railway Catering Complaint Process: Who doesn’t like train travel? Views outside the window, sipping tea and chatting with family and friends. But all this fun goes to waste when the vendor with the pantry car hands you stale or cold food. The limit is reached when the vendors of the ₹ 80 thali secretly charge you ₹ 110 or ₹ 120. If this has ever happened to you too, there is no need to remain silent. Indian Railways is now imposing a direct fine of up to ₹ 1 lakh on such vendors. You just need to know where and how to lodge a complaint within 2 minutes on the spot. Let us know those easy methods, which every railway passenger should know…
By calling RailMadad number
During the journey, if the food is spoiled, the tea is cold or the vendor is overcharging (demanding more money than the fixed price), then immediately dial the railway helpline number 139 from your phone. After this call, select the option of ‘Catering’ on the IVR. Report your complaint to the customer care executive, mention your PNR number and train number. As soon as your complaint is registered, a call is immediately sent to the concerned vendor or pantry manager and at the next major station, the railway staff comes to your seat and checks the matter.
Direct complaint on social media
Nowadays Railways is most active on social media. If a vendor in a moving train is arguing with you or serving bad food, immediately write a post from your phone. Please enter the PNR number along with your complaint, train number, coach and berth number. (If possible, also attach a photo of the food or a short video of the vendor). Tag @RailMinIndia, @IRCTCofficial and @RailwaySeva in your post. Railways’ response comes within just 15-20 minutes of complaining on X and officials reach your seat at the very next station.
What do the railway rules say?
Pantry car vendors often give food to the passengers without giving any receipt and charge arbitrary amount. Railways has made a strict rule against this. Whenever you buy any food, water bottle or tea, definitely ask for a computerized bill from the vendor. If the vendor refuses to pay the bill, then as per railway rules you are not required to pay for that food. You can clearly say, ‘We will not pay the bills without payment.’