India, Oct. 26 -- Amid growing complaints about food quality and hygiene standards on trains and at railway stations, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has partnered with the Quality Council of India (QCI) to conduct third-party audits of catering services nationwide, including in Pune,

The initiative aims to improve food safety, ensure transparent inspections, and hold catering contractors accountable for violations, with strict action, including licence cancellation, proposed in cases of serious lapses.

Under the new arrangement, independent teams appointed by the QCI will inspect base kitchens in Pune from this week, food served on trains originating from the city, food plazas, Jan Ahaar outlets and catering...