Vendors at railway stations will no longer be able to sell food freely, and passengers will no longer be able to buy from just any vendor on the platform, as Indian Railways is introducing a strict new system to curb illegal and unhygienic vending. Starting with Banaras, every food seller at Ghazipur City Railway Station in the Varanasi division will now need a QR code-based standardised ID issued by IRCTC. This means that only authorised vendors with official identification can sell food, beverages, and other edibles.

The move is aimed at ensuring better food quality, making vendors accountable, and protecting passengers from fraud or unhygienic practices.

In a push towards digitalisation, this is the first time Indian Railways has launched such a measure, aimed at improving food quality and stamping out illegal vending. Once scanned, the QR code will instantly display the vendor’s complete details, allowing passengers to easily verify their authenticity.

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Vendor accountability will now be directly linked to quality and complaints. Banaras will be the first station in its category where this system is implemented. Vending without an official ID will be considered illegal. To strengthen the identity of vendors providing food, beverages, and other eatables at stations, platforms, and on trains, Railways has started issuing these QR code IDs to identify legitimate sellers.

Vendor accountability will now be directly tied to the quality of their service and any complaints received. Banaras will be the first station of its category to implement this system, and selling food without an official ID will be treated as illegal. The Railways is issuing these QR-coded IDs to vendors selling food, beverages, and other eatables on platforms and trains to ensure only authorised sellers operate.

According to Jagran.com, the first trial is underway at Varanasi station, with plans to roll it out to all stations in stages. Passengers will be able to scan the vendor’s QR code on their mobile phones to instantly access complete information about them.

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Officials believe the initiative will not only raise the standard of food items but also make it easier to hold the right person accountable if there’s a complaint. At Ghazipur City Station, the rollout will take place in phases.

Vendors operating without an ID will face strict action. “This arrangement is to provide better and safer food to passengers. Illegal vending will be completely stopped and complaint resolution will be faster,” said Naseeruddin Siddiqui, Station Superintendent.

Travellers have also shown support for the move. “It is convenient to get information by scanning the QR code from a mobile. This will reduce the chances of fraud and bad food. The confidence of passengers will increase,” said passenger Rajesh.