Vendor Washes Used Disposable Food Containers And Reuses Them On Train? No, Not Really!

Concerns

over food safety on Indian Railways have resurfaced after a viral video from the Amrit Bharat Express (16601) showed what appeared to be a man washing and reusing disposable food containers meant for passengers. The unsettling footage quickly spread across social media, sparking outrage and questions about hygiene practices on board. However, the fact-checking arm of the Union government said that the claim is "misleading" and that the containers were not reused and only cleaned before disposal.

The clip, shared by multiple users online, was also reposted by X user @theskindoctor13, bringing it wider attention. Soon after, the IRCTC issued a statement acknowledging the incident and confirming that the vendor involved had been identified and removed from duty.“Taking the matter very seriously, the vendor has been identified and removed with immediate effect. Action is being taken to cancel the license of the licensee and a heavy fine has also been imposed,” the statement read.

The video also drew political reactions, with Congress leader Srinivas BV sharing it and writing, “Railway Minister, this is your convenience. Full fare is collected from the public, but on the other hand, this shameful act. You should be ashamed.”Online, netizens expressed anger over the incident, calling it “unhygienic” and “unsafe” for passengers. Some users also used the opportunity to highlight broader concerns about the train’s cleanliness, overcrowding in third AC coaches, and poor service standards.One passenger commented, “This is exactly why I stopped buying food from train catering—rude, ungrateful, and arrogant staff. Even if I’m starving, I’d rather eat from a decent hotel before boarding than give these guys a single rupee. This is crime of highest order.” Another wrote, “Highly unacceptable.''However, PIB Fact Check in a post on X said, "A video shared on social media claims that pantry car staff on train number 16601 are reusing casserole containers served to passengers."It added, "This claim is misleading. The containers served to passengers were not reused. They were only cleaned before disposal."