Known as the lifeblood of the country, the Indian Railways is a vast network that threads its way across a variety of environments. It also connects far-flung villages with thriving cities, making the world smaller. This railway network, which has its roots in the colonial era, has developed into a complicated network. Due to this, it occasionally serves as a mirror for India’s complex social structure and aids transit.
Undeniably, the significance of Indian railways is immeasurable. Millions of people and goods are moved through it every day, making it a vital component of the nation’s economy. Its vast span weaves through the diverse geography of India, serving as a unifying factor that promotes both cultural and economic interchange.
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However, this enormous system faces significant difficulties. The intricacies of overseeing a network this size present ongoing challenges, from organizing a large staff to guaranteeing passenger safety and the never-ending quest for cleanliness and on-time delivery. In addition to these difficulties, pantry workers on railroads occasionally seek pay that is more than average, which further complicates the operational environment.
A similar kind of incident recently went viral on social media in which a pantry staff member asked for additional money for the extra water bottle. The matter became so big that even Indian railways responded to it.
Pantry Staff asks for an additional ₹5 charge for the water bottle
In a recent incident aboard the Kamakhya Express, a member of the IRCTC pantry staff was caught on camera selling Rail Neer mineral water bottles, originally priced at ₹15, for ₹20. The video, circulating on the X platform, captures the staff initially vending the bottles at the inflated rate. When customers ask about the extra ₹5, the staff member hesitates before returning the extra money.
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The event happened as the train was traveling from Kamakhya Junction in Assam to Gandhidham Junction in Gujarat. Have a look at the tweet:
@AshwiniVaishnaw @RailMadad @RailwaySeva @drmbct @grpmumbai @RailMinIndia
22511 Express Passengers R openly looted by the pantry contractor, #RailNeer was sold at 20₹. Evidence attached below 4strict action. Note: Complaint should be inquired frm Railway officers Not fem IRCTC. pic.twitter.com/L3BWvfjzqt— Kalyan Citizen’s Forum (KCF) (@Kalyan_KCF) November 28, 2023
Indian Railways responded to the viral video
As the video went viral, Railway Seva had to respond. A Railway Seva official post on social media in response to the widely shared video asked impacted passengers to send their mobile number and PNR via direct message (DM) so that the matter may be looked into further.
Sir, kindly share PNR and mobile number preferably in Direct Message (DM) – IRCTC Official https://t.co/utEzIqB89U
— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) November 28, 2023
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As of January 6, the citizen’s forum that originally posted the video claimed that no substantial measures had been taken in response to the incident, highlighting a potential gap in addressing such matters promptly.
@RailMadad@RailwaySeva
When complaint was provided along with video evidence then why you are asking for PNR??How much commission did U & your department is getting for allowing #IRCTC contractor 2loot the poor passengers?
Train no 22511
Kamakhya Express
Krishna Enterprise pic.twitter.com/y0Qvwb39xF— Kalyan Citizen’s Forum (KCF) (@Kalyan_KCF) November 29, 2023
Here’s how netizens reacted to the incident
Please Dismiss the contactor
Because his indirect order to sold Rs 20 per bottle— jadhav chunilal (@jadhavchunilal) November 28, 2023
Same thing I faced in Azimabad express 12947. Vendor charge 20 for water bottle.
— RaidShadow (@RaidShadow9) January 11, 2024
This is a common practice by the IRCTC Vendors. These Vendors are looting unsuspecting passengers in every possible way. Veg Thali is supposed to be ₹80/-, these guys charge anything upto ₹160/-, & Complaint Cell makes a straight face, as though they aren’t aware off.
— nIhaR (@Andy0010) January 10, 2024
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This is a regular problem in the trains. I remember @IRCTCofficial pushing to taking receipts of purchase but not once have I received a receipt. Once I asked for it and the vendor said he doesn’t have a receipt book and will get it in some time but he never returned.
— Prateek Santosh (@PrateekSantosh) January 11, 2024
Same thing happened with us ..3 days back, we were traveling by 12472 (Swaraj Express), the Irctc guy was trying to sell rail neer for Rs 20/- instead of Rs 15/-
I had to lodge a complaint in Rail Madad thru my PNR.— priya raghuveeran (@Priarag) January 11, 2024
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