A video showing a rat eating a puff from inside a glass display counter at a food stall on Platform 1 of Surat railway station has prompted Western Railway authorities to seal the outlet and begin proceedings to cancel the contractor's licence.

The video, recorded by a passenger during the early hours of August 29, shows the rat inside the counter, feeding on a puff among food items meant for passengers. The clip, which has circulated on social media, prompted immediate action from railway authorities.

Officials Confirm Sealing and Action

Vineet Abhishek, Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer, said the stall was immediately closed after Indian Railways received information about the video. The stall was subsequently cleaned while the Railway Commercial Department initiated action against the owner. He added that Indian Railways is taking steps that could lead to the permanent termination of the stall's contract.

Anubhav Saxena, Western Railway Public Relations Officer, confirmed the outlet was sealed as soon as officials became aware of the incident. "We sealed the food outlet as soon as we came to know about the video. We have also started proceedings to cancel the licence of the contractor," Saxena said. He added that an inquiry has been launched and that necessary steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Railway authorities will also decide on the fine to be imposed on the contractor.

Context of Food Safety Efforts

The incident comes days after Western Railway announced a special deep-cleaning and sanitisation drive for food stalls at Surat and Udhna railway stations. Abhishek said pest and rodent control had been carried out at the station on August 16 as part of the campaign.

According to the railway, 1,000 food samples were tested between April and August 19, with an overall fitness rate of 98 per cent. Additionally, 51 Western Railway stations and 13 railway campuses have received 'Eat Right' certificates for promoting safe, hygienic and healthy food practices.