Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Western Railway Mandates Uniforms, Gloves, Hair Nets For Caterers
Western Railway is introducing new clothing and hygiene rules for food sellers at Mumbai division stations.
From September 10, 2026, catering workers must wear a specific red-and-black uniform.
They must also use disposable gloves and hair nets while working.
The uniform must be clean, ironed and kept in good condition.
Railway officials made the decision after a food stall at Boisar was found wrapping samosas in newspaper.
Inspectors will check whether workers follow the rules.
Catering licence holders will be responsible for making sure their staff comply.
People who do not follow the rules may face punishment.
Western Railway will require licensed catering staff across Mumbai division stations to wear a common uniform from September 10, 2026.
Catering workers must also wear disposable hand gloves and hair nets while on duty.
The uniform includes a red polo shirt with black details, black trousers, a black half-apron and black footwear.
The directive follows action against a Boisar outlet where samosas were found wrapped in newspaper.
Officials will inspect catering units, and non-compliance may lead to punitive action against licence holders and staff.
- Who
- Western Railway, licensed catering operators and their staff, and railway inspection officials.
- What
- A standard red-and-black uniform, disposable gloves and hair nets have been made mandatory for licensed catering workers.
- When
- The requirements take effect on September 10, 2026; the directive was reported on August 26, 2026.
- Where
- Licensed catering stalls and units across stations in Western Railway’s Mumbai division.
- Why
- To improve food safety, staff hygiene and presentation at railway catering outlets, following action against a Boisar outlet that used newspaper to wrap samosas.
- Effective date
- September 10, 2026
- Coverage
- Licensed catering stalls and units across the Mumbai division
- Uniform
- Red polo T-shirt with black collar, buttons, sleeve and pocket borders; black trousers, half-apron and footwear
- Hygiene gear
- Disposable hand gloves and hair nets
- Compliance responsibility
- Catering licence holders must ensure staff follow the requirements during working hours
- Monitoring
- Station Commercial Managers and Commercial Inspectors will conduct checks and report to the divisional office
- Possible penalty
- Non-compliance may result in punitive action against licence holders and concerned staff