People often don’t know what happens behind the scenes until someone brings the truth to light. Over the years, we’ve seen various scams being exposed online, and this time, it’s about something as basic as bottled water on an Indian train.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) introduced Rail Neer, a branded bottled drinking water, to ensure safe and affordable hydration for passengers. Priced at Rs 15 per liter, it is meant to be the standard option on trains.
However, a viral video has sparked controversy, revealing that things might not be as they seem.
The Viral Video That Exposed the Scam
In a shocking video recorded inside a train, a pantry boy was caught selling local water bottles instead of Rail Neer, despite the official stock being available. The incident took place aboard the Kurla Express (20104) and was captured by a vigilant passenger.
The footage not only exposed the pantry boy’s actions but also revealed the presence of illegal vendors and gutkha sellers inside an AC coach. When confronted, the pantry boy folded his hands, seemingly pleading for mercy, but the passenger kept questioning him.
The video quickly spread across social media, with journalist Abhijit Majumdar sharing it on Twitter. He wrote:
“A food and packaged water racket active on our trains, it seems. Local stuff being sold at a premium while railway Neer remains untouched. A young man has made this video, apparently on Kurla Express. Date of the incident is unclear, but @AshwiniVaishnaw -ji please look into this.”
A food and packaged water racket active on our trains, it seems. Local stuff being sold at a premium while railway Neer remains untouched.
A young man has made this video, apparently on Kurla Express.
Date of the incident is unclear, but @AshwiniVaishnaw-ji please look into this. pic.twitter.com/m4bQ0VFcTy— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) March 15, 2025
Check out IRCTC’s Response:-
As the video gained traction, many people started questioning the management and accountability of Indian Railways. However, IRCTC has now responded, clarifying that the video is old.
In an official reply, IRCTC stated:
“Sir, this is an old video of 2022 and appropriate action was taken.”
Thank you for the reply. Could we please know what action has been taken and if this menace has stopped?
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) March 16, 2025
While the response suggests that measures were taken back then, the video’s resurfacing has reignited concerns about similar practices still happening today. Many passengers are now urging authorities to strengthen monitoring and ensure strict action against such malpractices.