Indian Railways has put to rest rumors and concerns by firmly declaring that non-vegetarian food served on its trains does not require halal certification. The announcement follows pointed queries from public figure Priyank Kanungo, whose social media post ignited a national conversation on food certification practices.
Kanungo’s intervention was timely, as he flagged the perceived overreach of halal labeling in public services. ‘Why should non-veg food in trains carry halal certification when veg doesn’t?’ he asked, attaching images of meal packets. This struck a chord with many, leading to the railways’ prompt rebuttal.
In an official communique, the Ministry of Railways clarified: ‘There is no policy or directive mandating halal certification for any food items, vegetarian or otherwise, provided in train catering services.’ The focus remains on FSSAI-approved quality, with vendors obligated to maintain hygiene, nutritional value, and accurate labeling.
This stance aligns with broader governmental efforts to streamline regulations without favoring specific certifications. Halal, kosher, or jhatka—personal choices remain with consumers, but public suppliers aren’t compelled to certify beyond statutory requirements. The railways highlighted their ISO-certified kitchens and regular audits to uphold standards.
Priyank Kanungo celebrated the response as a step towards ‘de-religionizing’ everyday services. He called for similar clarity from other PSUs and private entities in aviation and hospitality, where such certifications have been spotted.
Diving deeper into operations, railway catering involves over 1,000 base kitchens and onboard pantries, sourcing from approved suppliers nationwide. Non-veg offerings, which constitute about 30% of meals, include staples like chicken rice, egg bhurji, and kebabs. The absence of halal compulsion reduces costs, potentially lowering ticket prices or improving quality.
Travelers boarding from major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai have long relied on these meals during long journeys. Recent surveys indicate high satisfaction with variety, though calls for more regional flavors persist. The railways plans to introduce AI-driven demand forecasting for better stock management.
Experts view this as part of evolving consumer rights in food services. With India’s diverse populace, neutral policies foster unity. As debates simmer, the railways’ clear position reinforces its commitment to equitable, safe dining on rails.
