The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has levied a fine of ₹5 lakh on a food service provider following an incident where 25 students became ill while traveling on the Mangala Lakshadweep Express, which ran from Hazrat Nizamuddin to Thrissur.
This situation arose on August 28, 2026, when a total of 80 students were aboard train number 12618, the Mangala Lakshadweep Express, departing from Hazrat Nizamuddin.
An official from IRCTC reported that railway medical personnel promptly assisted the ill students at both Khandwa and Bhusawal stations. Additionally, the onboard IRCTC team continued to offer medical care and provided nourishing food for the affected students for the remainder of their trip.
The IRCTC stated that no similar reports were received from other students or passengers who consumed food from the same batch. An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the precise circumstances surrounding the incident.
In an effort to ensure safety, food samples have been collected by railway officials at Bhusawal and dispatched to a certified laboratory for analysis.
“In light of the severity of the incident and based on preliminary findings, a fine of ₹5 lakh has been imposed on the service provider,” the IRCTC declared in an official statement.
Furthermore, the IRCTC has intensified efforts against the sale of unauthorized food and water products on trains. Just last month, over 8,000 bottles were confiscated during enforcement operations aimed at enhancing passenger safety and eliminating unauthorized sales.
To bolster these efforts, IRCTC has established Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to conduct inspections on trains and at railway stations, collaborating closely with the Indian Railways’ Commercial Department. These teams are tasked with identifying unauthorized packaged drinking water, food and beverage items, as well as other products that do not comply with established standards.
Anish Mondal is a seasoned journalist with over nine years of experience focusing on transportation sectors, including railways and roadways. He is currently part of the editorial team at Indianexpress.com, where he specializes in high-impact industries.
In his professional journey, Anish began at Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he gained a solid understanding of legislative processes and governance. In 2018, he shifted to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, where he honed his skills in market analysis and corporate reporting for nearly six years. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he was a significant contributor at ETNowNews.com.
Anish’s reporting is supported by a robust academic background in communication and the humanities:
- Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University
- Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication
- Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta
His areas of focus include connectivity, with detailed reporting on the growth of Indian Railways and National Highway systems.
