Unhygienic food and pest infestation found at New Delhi railway station raise health alarms

What happened

On 23 October 2026 a video released by the India Today Video Desk captured unsettling scenes at New Delhi railway station. The footage shows open drainage channels running alongside crowded food stalls, with rats scurrying on the platform and swarms of flies hovering over ready‑to‑eat items. The report notes that no health inspectors were visible, suggesting a lack of routine food‑safety checks.

Why it matters

New Delhi railway station is the busiest rail hub in the country, handling over 500,000 passengers a day. A breach in basic hygiene can quickly become a public‑health risk, especially during the monsoon season when water‑borne diseases tend to surge. The presence of rodents and insects near food items raises concerns about contamination, food‑borne illnesses and the broader perception of India’s transport infrastructure.

Official response

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has not issued a formal statement as of this writing. However, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Railways told reporters that “ongoing sanitation drives are being intensified across major stations” and that “regular health inspections will be scheduled in the coming weeks.” The statement stops short of confirming whether the specific lapses shown in the video have been investigated.

What’s being done

Indian Railways has launched a "Clean Platform" initiative that aims to upgrade drainage systems, install anti‑pest measures and enforce mandatory food‑safety certifications for stall owners. The program, rolled out in 2024, targets 30 major stations, with New Delhi being a priority due to its passenger volume. In the past year, the railways reported a 12 % reduction in reported cases of food‑related complaints at stations where the program was fully operational.

Public reaction

Travelers on social media expressed alarm, with many posting photos of the exposed drains and asking for swift remedial action. Consumer‑rights groups have called for an independent audit of food‑vendor licences at the station, arguing that “public health cannot be left to ad‑hoc inspections.”

The wider picture

While this incident focuses on one station, it reflects a broader challenge for India’s rapidly expanding transport network. As the government pushes for infrastructure growth, maintaining hygiene standards is essential to protect the health of millions and to uphold the country’s image as a modern, safe travel destination.

Looking ahead

If the railways’ clean‑platform plans are fully implemented, the expectation is that open drains will be sealed, pest‑control units will be stationed permanently, and food‑vendor stalls will undergo regular, documented health checks. Until then, health officials advise commuters to exercise caution when buying ready‑to‑eat food at any railway station.