A much-needed clarification from Indian Railways: non-vegetarian meals on trains are not required to carry halal certification. This direct response addresses activist Priyank Kanungo’s public call-out, alleviating concerns among passengers and observers alike.
Kanungo, leveraging his platform on X, dissected meal packaging photos, questioning the ubiquity of halal stamps on non-veg items. His post, viewed millions of times, pressured authorities for transparency, leading to the railways’ unequivocal statement.
‘Passengers are assured that all catering follows FSSAI guidelines exclusively. Halal certification is neither mandatory nor enforced,’ railways affirmed. This policy holds across AC, sleeper, and general coaches, where millions partake daily.
Contextualizing the uproar, halal certification verifies Islamic slaughter methods, appealing to a section but irking others who see it as preferential. Railways’ position neutralizes such perceptions, prioritizing universal safety standards over optional religious labels.
Kanungo hailed it as ‘progress against appeasement politics in small things.’ He advocated extending this to schools, hospitals, and military canteens, pushing for certification-free public procurement.
Operationally, the IRCTC oversees a massive network with 400+ trains offering hot meals. Non-veg selections, from biryanis to curries, are prepared in centralized facilities using FSSAI-licensed meat. Cost savings from skipping certifications could enhance service, like faster delivery or eco-friendly packaging.
Feedback from frequent travelers underscores trust in the system. A Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani regular noted, ‘As long as it’s fresh and safe, labels don’t matter.’ Yet, the railways eyes enhancements: allergen alerts, vegan options, and contactless ordering via apps.
In the larger canvas, this reflects India’s push for regulatory simplicity. Amid global supply chain shifts, domestic focus ensures resilience. The episode underscores social media’s role in governance, turning individual voices into policy pivots.
Railways concludes by inviting feedback, solidifying its passenger-first ethos amid a transforming travel landscape.