Pakistan Railways has fined the kitchen manager of the Islamabad Express Rs1,000 after a surprise inspection revealed unsatisfactory cleanliness and substandard milk in the train’s kitchen facilities.
The inspection was conducted by Lahore Divisional Commercial Officer Abdullah Arshad on the instructions of Lahore Division Superintendent Inamullah. Officials examined the kitchens of the Islamabad Express and Green Line trains to assess food quality, hygiene standards and the facilities provided to passengers.
According to a report published by ProPakistani on October 26, 2026, inspectors found cleanliness issues and milk that did not meet the required standards in the Islamabad Express kitchen. However, complimentary food boxes served to passengers were rated satisfactory.
The inspection also covered the Green Line train, where food quality and complimentary services received a satisfactory assessment. Its kitchen manager, however, was issued a warning over the sale of local water.
The action reflects Pakistan Railways’ stated efforts to improve food quality and cleanliness in trains and ensure that passengers receive services that meet the required standards. Source: Express Urdu
Islamabad Express Kitchen Manager Fined Rs1,000
During the surprise inspection, railway officials examined the kitchen facilities aboard the Islamabad Express and assessed the condition of the food and beverages available to passengers.
The inspection identified inadequate cleanliness and substandard milk in the kitchen. Following these findings, authorities imposed a fine of Rs1,000 on the kitchen manager.
The action was taken under the supervision of the Lahore railway administration as part of efforts to improve food-handling practices and maintain appropriate hygiene standards.
Cleanliness in train kitchens is particularly important because food is prepared and served in confined spaces while passengers are travelling. Poor hygiene and substandard ingredients can raise concerns about food safety and the quality of services offered onboard.
The inspection was intended to identify problems and direct the relevant staff to address shortcomings in kitchen operations.
Despite the concerns about cleanliness and milk quality, officials rated the complimentary food boxes served to passengers on the Islamabad Express as satisfactory.
This distinction indicates that the inspection identified specific problems within the kitchen rather than reporting that every food item or service on the train had failed the assessment.
Green Line Kitchen Receives Satisfactory Assessment
Railway officials also inspected the kitchen facilities of the Green Line train during the same operation.
According to the report, inspectors found the food quality and complimentary services satisfactory.
However, the kitchen manager received a warning regarding the sale of local water.
The warning highlights the importance of following railway requirements governing the products and beverages offered to passengers. Staff responsible for onboard catering must ensure that items sold during journeys comply with the applicable rules and standards.
Unlike the Islamabad Express kitchen manager, who was fined over cleanliness issues and substandard milk, the Green Line manager was reportedly issued a warning over the sale of local water.
The inspection covered other available food products and general cleanliness in both train kitchens, allowing officials to review multiple aspects of the catering services.
Officials Direct Staff to Improve Food Quality
Following the inspection, Abdullah Arshad instructed the relevant staff to ensure that passengers receive quality food and improved services.
The directions covered food and beverage standards, cleanliness and the facilities available to passengers during their journeys.
Officials emphasised that railway catering operations must maintain appropriate standards so that passengers can rely on the food and drinks offered onboard.
The Lahore railway administration has also reiterated its commitment to action against violations involving food quality and hygiene.
Federal Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has called for improvements in passenger services as part of his stated vision for Pakistan Railways. The latest inspection was carried out in line with those instructions, according to the report.
Why Food Hygiene Matters for Train Passengers
Food services are an important part of the passenger experience, particularly on long-distance trains where travellers may depend on onboard catering for meals and refreshments.
Maintaining clean preparation areas, using suitable ingredients and handling food properly are essential to reducing the risk of contamination.
Passengers also need confidence that food and beverages sold during their journeys meet the expected quality standards.
Regular inspections can help identify problems before they become more serious and encourage catering staff to follow the required procedures. Penalties and warnings can also reinforce accountability when violations are discovered.
However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on consistent inspections, appropriate follow-up and ensuring that identified problems are corrected.
Pakistan Railways has previously taken action against catering operators over cleanliness issues, including imposing a fine on the dining car of the Pak Business Express after an inspection in December 2025 found dirty cooking oil and expired food items. Source: The News International
The latest action involving the Islamabad Express and Green Line demonstrates the continuation of inspections focused on onboard food services.
Pakistan Railways Says Food Standards Will Not Be Compromised
Abdullah Arshad said railway authorities would not compromise on the quality of food and beverages served aboard trains.
The inspection covered kitchen cleanliness, available food products and the services provided to passengers on both trains.
The Rs1,000 fine imposed on the Islamabad Express kitchen manager and the warning issued to the Green Line manager were the reported outcomes of the inspection.
The administration has directed the concerned staff to improve compliance with food-quality and service requirements.
Further inspections will be important in determining whether the identified shortcomings are addressed and whether catering services continue to meet the expected standards.
For passengers, the key concern remains access to clean food, suitable ingredients and reliable onboard services throughout their journeys.
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