Worms in curd on train: IRCTC summons Amul

PTI

New Delhi

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) said on Friday that it summoned Amul, a premier dairy brand, to seek its response after live worms were allegedly found in its packaged curd served to a passenger on the Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express train.

The Corporation’s action follows a reprimand from the Railway Ministry, which not only imposed heavy fines on both, IRCTC and the service provider, Krishna Enterprises, but also directed termination of the contract.

“IRCTC has viewed the complaints very seriously about the quality of Amul curd served in Patna-Tata Vande Bharat train,” the Corporation said in a statement. It noted that it has not only imposed a substantial penalty on the licensee and Amul but has also initiated the process of terminating the contract and blacklisting the train’s licensee.

“Additionally, Amul has been summoned on March 27 to explain the grave quality concerns related to its curd,” the statement said. When contacted, the IRCTC refused to disclose the explanation provided by Amul. No immediate response was received from Amul either.

On March 15, a group of seven passengers on the Vande Bharat train found live worms and insects in one of the Amul packaged curd containers served with their dinner. The passenger, Ritesh Singh, immediately flagged the issue on his X handle, tagging the IRCTC, the Railway Minister and others.

After probing the matter, IRCTC imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the vendor, Krishna Enterprises. Dissatisfied with the IRCTC’s action, the Railway Ministry on March 25, 2026, directed it to terminate the contract of Krishna Enterprises and enhance the fine from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50 lakh. The ministry has also imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on IRCTC.