A video shared on social media platform X has ignited fresh criticism of Indian Railways' vendor practices, highlighting alleged overcharging and unavailability of official Rail Neer water bottles on trains.
The footage, posted by X user Sarfaraz Zain on Sunday, shows a train vendor selling local brand water bottles for Rs20 each. When questioned about Rail Neer availability, the vendor claims the official railway water is "hot" and therefore not being sold. A passenger then questions why the vendor hasn't bothered to cool the Rail Neer bottles.
In his post, Sarfaraz criticised the practice, saying "Look at what kind of substandard local cheap water they're selling for Rs 20 overcharging. Rail Neer is not available. Immediate action should be taken against the vendor in this matter. The staff's behaviour is not right and fines should be imposed. We don't expect this from Indian Railways."
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) responded promptly to the viral post, stating, "Sir, the matter is being referred to the concerned officer for immediate action."
However, as of this report, it remains unclear what specific measures, if any, have been implemented by railway authorities.
The video has sparked considerable public debate online. One user commented, "Even if you file 1,000 complaints, you'll get the same rehearsed response, and by the time your journey ends, you'll receive a message asking for your details."
Another frustrated passenger questioned, "When this water is being sold throughout the entire train and ticket collectors can see it, what will asking for passenger details achieve? Either stop it or let it continue as it is."
A third user suggested, If you can't control overcharging, why don't you display rate lists in every compartment?"
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about vendor practices and pricing transparency on Indian Railways, with passengers calling for more effective regulatory measures and clearer pricing guidelines.
