Passenger Flags Tea & Coffee Overcharging On Train; IRCTC Fires Staff & Pantry Manager

A passenger travelling on the Delhi-Amritsar Intercity Express has now exposed a ‘scam on the train’. In a now-viral Instagram video, the passenger talked about how staff are overcharging for a cup of tea and coffee. He also mentioned that he does not want his money back but has filed a complaint with Indian Railways. Here’s what happened.

Tea Sold At Double Price On Train 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by avdhesh kaushal (@kyahaikaushal)

A passenger, Avdhesh Kaushal, recently took to his official Instagram account (@kyahaikaushal) to expose a scam on Indian trains. He mentioned that the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation staff is selling tea priced at ₹5 for ₹10, which is almost double. Whereas coffee priced at ₹10 is being sold for ₹20. He said that not just tea and coffee, the staff is also overcharging for a water bottle and biryani as well.

He went on to file a complaint with Indian Railways for overcharging and the misbehaviour of staff. On knowing about the complaint, the staff tried to refund his money. But Avdhesh said that he does not want the money back and will not close the complaint. Later, a senior staff member also arrived and spoke to the passenger in an aggressive tone.

Also Read: How Is Indian Railways Making Bengaluru–Kanpur Travel Easier This Summer? Special Trains & Timings Here!

Indian Railways Take Action 

Avdhesh Kaushal mentioned that the staff is overcharging every passenger on every food item in every coach. In the caption, he wrote, “Think about the families in general class or second seating, already stretching every rupee, still being forced to pay ₹180 for a meal worth ₹80. For them, this isn’t just ‘overcharging.’ This is the difference between eating… or going to sleep hungry. Next time you see this, don’t ignore it. Someone’s hunger is hidden behind that extra money.” 

The video quickly went viral on social media. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation apologised for the incident on X. They also said that the service staff and the pantry car manager have been removed from service. A Show Cause notice for termination of the contract has also been issued. Officials also said that they will soon introduce e-pantry service on trains to book meals in advance through digital payments to eliminate such issues.

Also Read: No Refund On Ticket Cancellations Within 8 Hours From April 1, Announces Indian Railways

What do you think of this incident on the train? Have you ever been overcharged for a cup of tea or coffee on your train journey?

Cover Image Courtesy: @kyahaikaushal/ Instagram