Substandard food, lack of basic facilities in trains

Railways today admitted that passengers are facing lack of basic amenities in trains and there are also complaints of poor catering facilities in certain long distance trains.
A total number of 5670 complaints were received by railways from passengers regarding unhygienic conditions, cockroaches, non-functioning of lights, fans and other electrical equipment and catering services including substandard food during April 2012-October 2014, Minister of State for Railway Manoj Sinha said in a written reply.
Penal action including imposition of fine and termination of contract is taken on case to case basis against defaulting contractors depending on gravity of complaints.
Besides, fine was imposed in 561 cases and warnings were issued in 623 cases to the caterers during the during the period.