Railway Hygiene – Thane Station Stall Sealed After Cleanliness Violations Surface

Railway Hygiene – Central Railway has temporarily shut a multi-purpose food stall at Thane Railway Station after inspections confirmed hygiene-related shortcomings raised by passengers. The action follows complaints shared on social media, prompting railway officials to examine the facility and enforce penalties against the contractor.

Railway authorities respond to passenger complaints

Central Railway announced on Thursday that the stall located inside the waiting room near Platform No. 2 at Thane Railway Station has been sealed for seven days. In addition to the temporary closure, the contractor operating the outlet has been fined Rs 15,000 for failing to maintain the required standards of cleanliness.

According to railway officials, the decision was taken after several commuters highlighted poor sanitary conditions at the food outlet. The complaints gained attention on social media, leading authorities to initiate an immediate inspection to verify the claims.

Inspection confirms hygiene concerns

Members of the Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (DRUCC) carried out a surprise inspection of the stall after receiving reports from passengers. During the visit, officials found that the concerns regarding hygiene were genuine, prompting swift disciplinary action against the operator.

Central Railway later shared details of the action through an official post on X, stating that the stall had been sealed for a week and that a financial penalty had also been imposed on the contractor. Officials said the move was intended to ensure accountability and improve the quality of services provided to railway passengers.

Regular monitoring to continue

Following the enforcement action, Central Railway said inspections of catering units and passenger facilities would continue on a regular basis. Officials stated that contractors are expected to strictly comply with operational guidelines, particularly those related to cleanliness, food handling and overall passenger safety.

The railway administration also encouraged travellers to report any concerns involving catering services, sanitation or other passenger amenities through the RailMadad portal. Authorities said timely feedback from commuters plays an important role in identifying issues and improving service standards across stations.

Previous food safety complaint raised similar concerns

The latest action comes shortly after another incident involving the same railway station drew public attention. A woman passenger had alleged that a food outlet at Thane Railway Station was selling soft drinks that had crossed their expiry date.

The matter was subsequently brought to the notice of railway authorities by local Member of Parliament Naresh Mhaske. Following the complaint, DRUCC member Sanjeev Kulkarni and Shiv Sena functionary Prakash Payre visited the outlet to inspect the allegations.

During their inspection, they reportedly found irregularities that supported the concerns raised by the complainant. Their findings were communicated to the concerned railway authorities, reinforcing the need for stricter monitoring of catering facilities operating within station premises.

Focus on passenger safety and service standards

Railway officials have reiterated that maintaining hygiene and food safety at stations remains a priority, particularly at busy suburban hubs such as Thane, where thousands of commuters use station facilities every day. Authorities said contractors are expected to comply with prescribed standards at all times, and any violations will invite appropriate action.

The recent enforcement measures reflect Central Railway’s efforts to address passenger grievances promptly while strengthening oversight of food stalls and waiting room facilities. Officials also stressed that continued public participation through official complaint channels will help improve service quality and ensure safer conditions for passengers.