Train journeys in India are often incomplete without hot snacks and local food sold onboard. But a recent viral video has once again raised concerns about food hygiene and safety during rail travel. According
to an India Today report, a samosa vendor was seen sitting on the floor near the coach door of a moving train while talking on the phone, with his feet resting on the basket of samosas he was allegedly selling to passengers.
The clip, recorded by a fellow traveller, quickly spread across social media and triggered outrage online. Many users questioned hygiene standards on trains, while others raised concerns over unauthorised hawkers operating freely inside coaches.
आप भी ले सकते है पैर वाले शुद्ध समोसा के मजे
You can see in vedio pic.twitter.com/DcXNILPRJa— राजल चौधरी (@Ranjeetchodhri) May 26, 2026
As the video gained traction online, railway authorities launched an inquiry into the matter. Officials later clarified that inspections carried out between May 20 and May 22 on Train No. 12809-10 did not identify any authorised railway catering staff matching the individual seen in the viral clip.
According to railway authorities, the person featured in the video was not an officially appointed catering employee. The clarification, however, did little to calm concerns among passengers, many of whom said such incidents continue to surface despite repeated checks and crackdowns.
Railway officials said preventive measures have now been initiated to avoid similar incidents in the future. Authorities stated that the concerned licensee had been warned and instructed to remain vigilant about unauthorised food vendors operating onboard. Railway staff have also reportedly been directed to immediately report suspicious activity or illegal hawkers to control rooms in real time. Officials reiterated that stricter monitoring would continue in an attempt to prevent illegal food sales and improve passenger safety standards during travel.
The incident has once again reignited debate over food hygiene on Indian trains — a concern frequently raised by passengers online. Over the years, travellers have repeatedly flagged issues ranging from poor food handling and unhygienic storage to unauthorised vendors moving through coaches without checks. Social media users reacting to the viral clip questioned whether stronger enforcement and tighter monitoring mechanisms are needed to improve accountability and ensure safer food practices during rail journeys.
Experts say passengers can reduce health risks during train travel by following a few basic precautions while purchasing food onboard. Travellers are advised to buy food only from authorised railway vendors, pantry car staff or licensed stalls at stations. Food sold by unidentified hawkers moving through coaches should ideally be avoided. Before purchasing packaged items, passengers should check whether packets are properly sealed, appear fresh and are free from visible dust or contamination.
Maintaining hand hygiene before eating is equally important during long journeys. Experts recommend carrying hand sanitisers or washing hands with soap whenever possible before consuming food. Drinking water should preferably be purchased only from trusted brands or official railway outlets. For longer trips, carrying home-cooked food can often be a safer option. If that is not possible, passengers are advised to order meals through trusted food delivery services or official railway apps. Travellers should also remain alert to unusual smell, colour or damaged packaging before consuming food, especially when travelling with children or elderly family members.
