While food delivery has been one of the more convenient services provided by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), there have been instances where passengers have been overcharged for purchasing food items or having unwanted items added to their train menus.

Following passenger reports of such incidents, the Zee Business team conducted an investigation and launched the #MRPParDoKhana news reportage and awareness campaign.

Food was being sold from the pantry for more than the IRCTC’s fixed rate. Due to a failure to check the MRP, vendors have taken unfair advantage and overcharged passengers for food items. i.e. Passengers end up paying 50 Rs more than the actual MRP. The sole purpose of Zee Business’ consumer-centric news story was to educate its viewers on the responsible initiatives that both consumers and IRCTC must take.

While the Zee Business team encouraged viewers to report any such overcharging incidents via Twitter with the hashtag #MRPParDoKhana, it also notified IRCTC to take immediate action. The official body also issued an order to vendors, requesting that they immediately stop overcharging and avoid selling paneer mixed with food to justify the inflated prices.

IRCTC sent a letter to the Group General Managers of five zones, instructing them to take immediate action against offenders and submit a report on the matter as soon as possible. It also threatened vendors with the suspension of the A la Carte system.

Taking cognisance of passengers’ inconvenience, IRCTC will select trains on 10 routes for inspections, and surprise inspections of trains on crowded routes will be done.

The unfiltered news reportage and presentation of facts of Zee Business resulted in immediate changes that will be witnessed by passengers soon:

• Rate cards will be displayed at easily visible places in all coaches
• Bills for food items, and drinking water bottles will be provided to passengers to avoid being overcharged
• Staffers who supply food items to coaches will also be informed about rate cards for food items
• Passengers can complain about the quality and quantity of food items
• Seal of RailNeer bottles is mandatory
• IRCTC is setting up 4 new water plants
• New water plants will be set up to increase the supply

Highlighting the far-fetched impact of the investigative stance, Anil Singhvi, Managing Editor, of Zee Business, said, “Zee Business’ responsible journalism has been consistent in presenting factual details supporting consumer rights on a timely basis.

“The news reportage on overcharging for purchasing food items or having unwanted items added to their menu on trains is just one of the many impactful examples of investigative journalism and consumer awareness campaign taken up by us. We look forward to further engage with our viewers and stakeholders with the sole purpose of helping each one to make informed decisions on timely basis,” Singhvi added.