IRCTC seizes 8,300 unapproved water bottles, eyes plant expansion

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has seized over 8,300 bottles of unapproved packaged drinking water during recent inspections, even as it struggles to meet demand for its own Rail Neer brand. The New Indian Express reports that Quick Response Teams conducted drives across Lucknow, Chandigarh, West Zone, and East Zone regions, where 117 trains were inspected in Lucknow alone and 5,241 bottles seized, while Chandigarh's drive covered 51 trains and seized 3,108 bottles. Unauthorised ice cream and flavoured milk were also confiscated at Ambala and Saharanpur stations.

Separately, NDTV Profit reports that IRCTC is ramping up capacity at existing Rail Neer plants and scouting for four new sites, as bottled water supply continues to fall short of demand. The corporation's long-planned partnership with a major beverage brand to supplement production has not materialised. IRCTC officials said the inspections will continue in coordination with the railways' commercial department to enforce food safety standards and penalise violations.