Watch Video: Indian Railways Imposes Rs 1 Lakh Fine on Vendor for Overcharging Passengers for Water Bottles
Watch Video: Indian Railways Imposes Rs 1 Lakh Fine on Vendor for Overcharging Passengers for Water Bottles
Incident highlights strict measures against overpricing aboard trains.
Indian Railways imposed a hefty Rs 1 lakh fine on a catering service after a vendor was caught overcharging passengers for bottled water aboard the Pooja SF Express. A video of the incident, recorded by a vigilant passenger, has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread discussions on overpricing aboard trains.
The incident occurred in the 3rd AC economy class, where a passenger noticed a vendor selling Rail Neer water bottles, typically priced at Rs 15, for Rs 20. When questioned, the vendor nonchalantly responded that he needed to “earn a living.”
The passenger purchased the bottle but immediately decided to file a complaint. He recorded the interaction and called Indian Railways’ helpline number, 139, detailing the overcharge. The video, lasting 1 minute and 47 seconds, captured the entire complaint process, which was promptly acknowledged by railway authorities.
Following the complaint, a representative from the catering service arrived at the coach to refund the Rs 5 overcharged for the water bottle. The passenger also requested that refunds be provided to other passengers who had been overcharged.
In response to the incident, Indian Railways imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the catering service responsible for the vendor’s actions.
How to File a Complaint with Indian Railways
Passengers can report grievances, including overpricing, through multiple channels:
• Helpline 139: The integrated railway helpline number for quick resolutions.
• RailMadad Platform: Accessible online, this platform allows passengers to file and track complaints using journey details like PNR and train numbers.
• SMS: Send a message to 91-9717680982 to register a complaint.
• Website: The Indian Railways website also hosts a grievance form for filing complaints.
• Security Complaints: For security-related issues, call 182.
Passenger Awareness and Railway Vigilance
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance by passengers and accountability from vendors. Indian Railways has reiterated its commitment to maintaining fair pricing standards and ensuring customer satisfaction. Passengers are encouraged to report any irregularities, as swift action is taken to address complaints.
The video has sparked positive reactions online, with many applauding Indian Railways for holding vendors accountable and ensuring transparency in services.
