IRCTC deploys AI-powered surveillance to detect flies, cockroaches and hygiene lapses in train kitchens

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance system to strengthen food safety monitoring across its catering operations, including mechanisms capable of detecting flies, cockroaches and other hygiene-related violations in railway kitchens.

The move is part of a broader effort by IRCTC to improve food quality and safety standards amid increasing scrutiny of catering services on Indian Railways.

According to officials, the AI-based system will monitor kitchen operations in real time and flag potential hygiene issues for immediate corrective action.

The surveillance technology has been integrated with CCTV networks installed at base kitchens and food preparation facilities. Using image recognition and analytics, the system can identify the presence of pests such as flies and cockroaches, as well as detect lapses in food handling practices, cleanliness standards and staff compliance with hygiene protocols.

Officials said the technology is designed to reduce dependence on periodic manual inspections by enabling continuous monitoring of catering facilities.

Alerts generated by the system can be reviewed by supervisory teams, allowing quicker intervention when violations are detected.

The initiative comes as Indian Railways continues to modernise its catering infrastructure and address passenger complaints related to food quality and hygiene.

Food served on trains has frequently come under public scrutiny, with travellers raising concerns over cleanliness, contamination and service standards through social media and grievance platforms.

IRCTC has been expanding the use of technology-driven monitoring tools across its operations in recent years. The latest AI-based surveillance mechanism is expected to supplement existing inspection processes rather than replace them, providing an additional layer of oversight at food preparation units.

Officials said the system can also help identify operational deficiencies, including improper storage practices and deviations from prescribed kitchen procedures.

Data generated through the surveillance network will be used to improve compliance and strengthen accountability among catering contractors and kitchen staff.

The adoption of AI in food safety monitoring reflects a wider trend across industries, where computer vision and automated surveillance systems are increasingly being used to detect hygiene risks and ensure adherence to quality standards.

IRCTC has not disclosed the number of kitchens currently covered under the system but indicated that the technology forms part of its ongoing efforts to enhance passenger confidence in railway catering services.

The corporation serves millions of passengers annually through pantry cars, base kitchens, station catering units and e-catering services, making food safety a critical component of railway operations.