The CAG report’s findings on the state of the Indian Railways are no surprise to frequent travellers. Making ideal regulations on paper without strict monitoring on the ground are as good as having none. Due to the substandard quality of food supplied, passengers are compelled to buy food from unauthorised vendors. However, looking at the report as a guide to improve only IRCTC’s food services will do little good. Making trains free of illegal passengers itself will cut the burden of railways by large amount. Help centres at each station where complaints can be registered regarding any substandard service, while on board and their immediate rectification, could be a step in this direction.
Kiran Babasaheb Ransing,
New Delhi