'Dear PM Modi, imagine being served cockroaches': Congress MP Manickam Tagore after insects found in Vande Bharat meal

NEW DELHI: Congress MP on Sunday raised concerns over the deteriorating quality of food being served in Vande Bharat express after passengers complained of insects and cockroaches being found in meals. Calling out on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the Vande Bharat express, Manickam Tagore questioned IRCTC's fine of "mere Rs 50,000" and demanded 'strict action & systemic reforms."

"Dear @narendramodi ji, imagine being served cockroaches & insects in your meals repeatedly 8 months. Will a mere Rs 50,000 fine suffice to ensure accountability? Strict action & systemic reforms are overdue for passenger safety & dignity," Manickam Tagore B said in a post on X.

Dear @narendramodi ji,
imagine being served cockroaches & insects in your meals repeatedly 8 months.
Will a mere ₹50,000 fine suffice to ensure accountability?
Strict action & systemic reforms are overdue for passenger safety & dignity. #RailwayQuality #VandeBharatExpress https://t.co/MLO0fj4pGq pic.twitter.com/L8NE0DZ6vU

— Manickam Tagore .B🇮🇳மாணிக்கம் தாகூர்.ப (@manickamtagore) November 17, 2024

Post complaints from passengers, the Tirunelveli - Chennai Egmore Vande Bharat Express's food sample was found to be contaminated, the IRCTC response said.

"For this negligence, a penalty of Rs. 50,000 has been imposed on the contractor Ms Brindavan Food products, and further action is being pursued. The Railway is conducting a detailed investigation into the
incident, considering all possibilities regarding the source of the contamination," it said.

In October, director-actor R Parthiban raised concerns about the poor food quality on the Vande Bharat train. In response, the Salem divisional railway manager issued an apology and promised action against the caterer responsible.