Nearly 100 passengers aboard the ‘Bharat Gaurav Express’, a special train en route from Chennai to Palitana in Gujarat, experienced food poisoning between Solapur and Pune.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night when passengers in coach B-11 complained of symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, loose motions and headache.
Train makes unscheduled stop for medical aid
Railway officials took prompt action, and the train made an unscheduled stop at Pune Railway Station. A team of 15 railway doctors and staff, supported by 13 private doctors and staff, eight NGO workers and four chief health inspectors attended to the affected passengers.
The quick response ensured that all 99 patients received necessary treatment on board.
"The Bharat Gaurav train had been privately booked by a religious group for an event in Palitana, Gujarat. Importantly, the group had procured food privately, and it was not supplied by the railways or the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation,” said Shivraj Manaspure, chief public relations officer, Central Railway.
Food samples collected for investigation
The food was prepared in pantry car of the train, although the cooks and raw materials were brought in independently, the official said.
“There was no need for hospitalisation as all passengers responded well to the initial treatment. The health inspectors at Pune station inspected the pantry car and collected food samples, including loose oil, food colouring and packed drinking water, for further investigation,” the official said.
The incident caused a delay of 52 minutes, during which the doctors attended to the passengers. Once the treatment was administered, and the necessary checks were conducted, the train resumed its journey.
