Passengers Alarmed As Video Shows Disposable Food Containers Washed, Reused On Train, IRCTC Reacts

Last Updated:October 19, 2025, 3:20 PM IST

A video of reused food containers on Amrit Bharat Express 16601, sparking hygiene concerns has been shared by a Congress leader. IRCTC removed the vendor and imposed a fine.

A video shared by Congress leader Srinivas BV has raised concerns over food hygiene on the Amrit Bharat Express (16601). The video allegedly shows a man washing disposable food containers, which are then reportedly reused to serve meals to passengers.

Srinivas in his post criticised the practice, saying, “Railway Minister, this is your convenience. Full fare is collected from the public, but on the other hand, this shameful act. You should be ashamed.”

The video has sparked questions about food safety standards on the train, though no official response from the Railways has been shared so far.

In response to the viral video, IRCTC stated that it is taking the matter very seriously. The vendor involved in washing and reusing disposable food containers on the Amrit Bharat Express has been identified and immediately removed from duty.

“Further action is being taken to cancel the vendor’s license, and a heavy fine has also been imposed to ensure accountability and reinforce food safety standards on trains,” it added.

Meanwhile, many users have criticised the video, calling it unhygienic and unsafe for passengers. At the same time, some passengers highlighted other ongoing issues on the train, including overcrowding in the third AC coach and concerns over cleanliness and service quality, sparking a broader conversation about the overall passenger experience on long-distance trains.

“The viral video is deeply shameful, showing railway employees washing dirty disposable food containers and re-serving them for re-serving. The public is charged full fare for tickets, but such a disrespectful attitude towards their health and hygiene is highly condemnable for the country’s image,” one user said.

“This is neither the first such incident nor will it be the last. We and our society need to change drastically. Nothing is settled,” added the other.

One person shared a video of the overcrowded AC coach in the comment section and said, “And look at this one too – special trains have been run. The condition of the AC coaches on the Delhi-Bihar train.”

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