A disturbing video from the Erode-Jogbani Amrit Bharat Express (Train No. 16601) has sparked outrage on social media, showing a man allegedly washing used disposable food trays inside a passenger coach. The clip has raised serious concerns about hygiene and food safety standards onboard Indian trains.

Following the viral video, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming swift action against the vendor involved.

“This video was immediately investigated. The casserole was used only once, not reused for catering or consumption. It is being cleaned and disposed of. This has been clearly proven through the factual investigation conducted in this regard. Do not spread misleading news about the reuse of casseroles for catering. Statements from the vendor and staff,” the IRCTC said.

It also attacked a letter of the Express Food Services, which said the act was not in the knowledge of the Railways, and the vendor did it to sell it to scrap collector for some extra bucks.

“After taking the matter very seriously, the vendor has been identified and removed immediately. The process to cancel the license of the licensee is underway, along with a heavy fine being imposed,” IRCTC had earlier said.

The incident reportedly occurred during one of the train’s recent journeys. In the video, a man – believed to be a catering staff member – can be seen washing used plastic meal containers at a washbasin meant for passengers. He then stacks the trays in a neat pile, apparently preparing them for reuse.

Passenger questions staff, gets confusing response

When questioned by the passenger recording the video, the man appeared visibly nervous and struggled to explain his actions. He claimed the trays were being “sent back,” but failed to clarify why they were being cleaned in the passenger area instead of the pantry section. The authenticity of the video has not yet been independently verified.

The Erode–Jogbani Amrit Bharat Express connects Tamil Nadu’s Erode Junction with Bihar’s Jogbani, covering more than 3,100 kilometers across several states. The weekly mail express operates every Thursday, carrying hundreds of passengers over its long-distance route.

Another concerning incident 

This incident comes close on the heels of another controversy earlier this week. On October 17, a brawl broke out among catering staff members of a Vande Bharat Express at Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. A video of the scuffle went viral, prompting IRCTC to take immediate action. In its response, the corporation said the Railway Police Force (RPF) had detained those involved and that “punitive action” had been initiated against the service provider to prevent such episodes in the future.

Meanwhile, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday to review passenger amenities and crowd management measures during the festive rush. With Diwali and Chhath bringing massive crowds to railway stations, the minister inspected waiting halls, ticket counters, and control rooms, while also interacting with passengers to gather feedback on their travel experience.