Vande Bharat Amul curd row: IRCTC, vendor fined ₹60 lakh, contract cancelled after worms found

Indian Railways has taken strict action after a passenger reported finding worms in curd served onboard the Patna–Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express earlier this month.

The complaint was raised on March 15, 2026, in train number 21896, prompting an official response from the railways. Authorities said the issue related to food quality was taken seriously, leading to financial penalties and corrective measures.

Also Read: Watch video: Man hit by Vande Bharat Express while standing at platform edge to spit tobacco


According to the statement, IRCTC has been fined ₹10 lakh. In addition, the onboard service provider has been penalised ₹50 lakh and directed to terminate the contract.


The incident involved curd supplied by Amul, in which worms were allegedly found, triggering concern over food safety standards on premium trains like Vande Bharat Express.

Railway authorities reiterated that passenger safety and service quality remain a top priority. Officials indicated that strict monitoring mechanisms are being enforced to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

The Vande Bharat Express, known for its semi-high-speed operations and upgraded onboard services, has been positioned as a flagship offering by Indian Railways. However, the episode has raised questions about catering standards and vendor oversight.


Sources said the swift penalties and termination order reflect a zero-tolerance approach towards lapses in food quality. Further checks and audits of catering services are expected as part of ongoing efforts to improve passenger experience across trains.