IRCTC responds to viral video of rats in LTT Madgaon Express train pantry

In his post, Tendulkar mentioned that an official from the railways dismissed his concerns, citing hundreds of rats beneath the tracks, making a few in the pantry car seemingly insignificant. Despite this, Tendulkar reached out to the Assistant Station Master (Commercial), Meena, who informed him that the pantry car was already infested with rats, leaving little room for improvement. He also claims to have lodged a grievance on the Rail Madad app, seeking action against the irregularities and was assured by a Rail Madad executive that IRCTC would be penalised.

The video was subsequently shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Indian Tech & Infra to whom the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) finally replied.

IRCTC, in response to the widespread outrage on social media, assured the public via X (formerly Twitter) that they were taking the matter seriously. They reported that pantry car staff had been educated on hygiene and cleanliness, and measures were being put in place for effective pest and rodent control.

"The matter is viewed seriously and suitable action has been taken. Pantry Car Staff have been sensitised to ensure hygiene and cleanliness in the pantry car. The concerned have been suitably advised to ensure effective pest and rodent control measures which is being ensured," IRCTC wrote.

These incidents come soon after reports from Mumbai of restaurants such as Bademiya and Papa Pancho da Dhaba having rats and cockroaches in their kitchens.