Rats in train pantry, response from officials shock passenger; Video

NEW DELHI: Most people who opt for railways for long-distance journeys eat food from the train's pantry. However, a video surfaced the other day is raising concerns for the passengers.

A video posted on Instagram shows rats running around in the pantry. In the video, rats can also be seen eating with their heads inside the bowls. The incident took place on a train going from Mumbai- Lokmanya Tilak to Madgaon.The video appeared on the Instagram account @mangirish_tendulkar. He was travelling with his family on the 15th of this month. He shot the video on his mobile phone when he noticed rats running around the pantry.

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A post shared by RF Drx. Mangirish Tendulkar (@mangirish_tendulkar)

'This is such a rude shock for me as a railfan and as a train traveller. The scene unfolds as I was travelling with my family in 11099 LTT MAO express dated 15/10/2023 which was rescheduled from its original timings from 1:45 midnight to 3:30. Being a railfan I thought of recording the engine coupling to the train so I started walking towards the end. This is where the real shock began. The Pantry Car was almost in the middle of the train which was a Garib Rath liveried coach where I could see at least 6-7 rats of which I could film only 4', said the passenger in the caption that was shared with the video.

Desperate, Tendulkar informed the Railway Protection Force (RPF). To his surprise, the RPF responded that there are hundreds of rats on the railway tracks and it is normal for a few of them to board the train. After this, the passenger also informed the assistant station master. His response was also disappointing. 'There are a lot of mice in the pantry. What can we do about it', responded the station master.

The matter is viewed seriously and suitable action has been taken.Pantry Car Staff have been sensitised to ensure hygiene and cleanliness in the pantry car.
The concerned have been suitably advised to ensure effective pest and rodent control measures which is being ensured.

— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) October 18, 2023

Following the disappointing responses, Tendulkar informed the IRCTC. IRCTC responded in a tweet that the matter was viewed seriously and suitable action has been taken.