In response to the press release issued by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, Government of Karnataka, regarding the special food safety inspection drive conducted on August 20, 2026, South Western Railway (SWR) reaffirms its commitment to providing safe, hygienic, and high-quality catering services to passengers.

In line with directives from the Railway Board, SWR has already launched an intensive 14-day Special Food Safety Drive across all divisions. This ongoing initiative focuses on comprehensive inspections of hygiene, cleanliness, validity of FSSAI licenses, expiry dates of food products, and overall food-handling practices across all catering and vending establishments.

Key Proactive Efforts and Regulatory Oversight by SWR

Comprehensive Division-Wide Coverage: SWR's stringent monitoring mechanism spans 428 catering establishments across the Bengaluru (SBC), Mysuru (MYS), and Hubballi (UBL) divisions—covering 34 major units, 272 minor units, 122 IRCTC units, 38 pantry cars, and key base kitchens.

• Track Record of Enforcement:

• • In FY 2025–26, Railway FSOs conducted 1,243 inspections, issued 129 Improvement Notices, and analyzed 528 food samples (with 512 found fully compliant and strict legal/adjudication action taken against unfit cases).
  • Demonstrating sustained vigilance in the current financial year 2026–27 (up to July 2026), Railway FSOs have already carried out 271 inspections, issued 29 Improvement Notices, and collected 170 food samples (with statutory proceedings initiated against the 3 samples found unfit).
  • Concurrently, SWR has executed 4,373 surprise inspections in FY 2025–26 (imposing ₹5.22 lakh in penalties) and an additional 1,377 inspections up to July 2026 (imposing ₹64,000 in penalties).

• Continuous Enforcement and Punitive Protocols:
  • Taking cognizance of specific irregularities reported—such as improper storage, unauthorized packaging, unapproved food colors, and expired stock—SWR field officials use contractual and penal provisions to issue Show-cause notices, financial penalties, and contract termination against defaulting Food Business Operators (FBOs) as part of Its regular regulatory administration.

South Western Railway remains firmly committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, taking decisive action against any vendor failing to meet prescribed standards as part of its daily operational mandates.

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