The Indian Railways on Monday changed the uniforms of its serving staff on board the Ramayan Express after seers from Ujjain objected to the waiters’ saffron attire.

The seers said this was an insult to the Hindu religion and threatened to block the train in Delhi on December 12 if the uniform was not withdrawn.

“It is to inform that the dress of service staff is completely changed in the look of professional attire of service staff. Inconvenience caused is regretted,” a railways statement said.

The uniforms have been changed to the usual shirts, trousers and headgear. The waiters will, however, wear saffron masks and gloves.

“We wrote to the railway minister two days ago, lodging our protest against waiters serving refreshments and food on the Ramayan Express in saffron,” Avdeshpuri, former general secretary of the Ujjain Akhada Parishad, had earlier told PTI.

“Donning saffron attire with a sadhu-like headgear and wearing malas (necklaces) of rudraksha is an insult to the Hindu religion and its seers.”