Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Rat Found at Churchgate Stall Prompts Western Railway Notice
A rat was found inside a food stall at Churchgate station in Mumbai.
Someone posted a video of it on X on September 26.
Western Railway inspected the stall the same day.
Inspectors found the rat and several other cleanliness problems.
Some chutney containers were open, and oil and chutney had spilled.
Food and vada mixture were stored in plastic bags.
The wash basin was dirty, and one vendor’s medical certificate was missing.
The stall operator, M/s Origin, must explain what happened within two days.
Western Railway may take serious action, including ending the catering licence or contract.
A live rat was found inside a catering stall at Mumbai’s Churchgate station.
Western Railway issued a show-cause notice to the stall operator, M/s Origin.
Inspectors reported open chutney containers, food stored in plastic bags and an unclean wash basin.
The inspection also found spilled oil and chutney, exposed cabbage peel and missing medical certification for one vendor.
The operator has two days to explain why strict action, including licence or contract termination, should not follow.
- Who
- Western Railway, the catering-stall operator M/s Origin, and a vendor identified as Md. Kasab.
- What
- Western Railway issued a show-cause notice after inspectors found a live rat and multiple hygiene violations at a catering stall.
- When
- The video was posted on September 26, 2026, and the inspection and reported action followed; the article is dated September 28, 2026.
- Where
- A catering stall at Churchgate station in Mumbai.
- Why
- A complaint and video prompted an inspection that found failures involving food safety, hygiene, sanitation and pest control.
- Location
- Churchgate station, Mumbai
- Operator
- M/s Origin
- Issue
- A live rat was found inside the catering stall
- Inspection findings
- Open chutney containers, spilled oil and chutney, exposed cabbage peel, food stored in plastic bags and an unclean wash basin
- Additional lapse
- A medical certificate for vendor Md. Kasab was unavailable
- Response deadline
- Two days
- Possible action
- Termination of the catering licence or contract