A special train journey from Chennai to Palitana turned into a distressing experience for around 90 passengers as they suffered from food poisoning. The incident took place on the ‘Bharat Gaurav’ train, which had been privately booked for a religious function at Palitana in Gujarat. Railway officials reported that the affected passengers received prompt medical attention at Pune railway station in Maharashtra.
The train, privately chartered by a religious group, faced an unexpected health crisis when a significant number of passengers, approximately 80 to 90 from a single coach, complained of symptoms consistent with food poisoning. The distress occurred during the journey between Solapur and Pune. Passengers reported experiencing nausea, loose motions, and headaches, indicative of foodborne illness.
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The affected passengers had consumed food that was privately arranged by the religious group, and it was clarified that the meal was not supplied by the Railways or the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The food, prepared in the pantry car, became the source of the reported health issues.
Upon reaching Pune railway station, a team of doctors promptly attended to the affected passengers. Medical professionals provided necessary treatment and care on board the train. Fortunately, the condition of all passengers was reported to be stable after the medical intervention. The train resumed its onward journey after a delay of 50 minutes, ensuring that passengers could continue their travel in improved health.
The incident sheds light on the challenges associated with private arrangements for catering services on trains. While passengers often opt for private arrangements for meals during journeys, the responsibility for the quality and safety of the food lies with the entities or individuals organizing the catering. In this case, the private nature of the booking meant that the group had procured the food independently, leading to the unfortunate incident of food poisoning.
Food safety on trains has been a recurring concern, and efforts are continuously made to ensure the quality and hygiene of meals served on board. However, instances like this highlight the importance of vigilance and adherence to food safety standards, especially when private arrangements are involved.
Passengers undertaking long journeys are advised to exercise caution and verify the sources of privately arranged meals to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Additionally, authorities, including railway and health departments, play a crucial role in responding swiftly to incidents of food poisoning to ensure the well-being of passengers and the smooth continuation of train services.
