A viral video showing a vendor placing his feet on samosas while travelling inside a moving train has triggered widespread outrage on social media and raised concerns over hygiene and unauthorised food vending on Indian Railways.
The clip, widely circulated online, appears to show the vendor sitting near the entrance of a train coach while talking on the phone, with his feet placed on a tray containing samosas intended for sale to passengers.
The statement indicated that the individual seen in the viral clip was not identified as authorised onboard staff during the enquiry period.
The authority said, “Licensee has been sensitised and advised to report any such unauthorised activities by hawkers to the concerned controls on a real-time basis.”
The viral video has also renewed discussions on the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement to ensure food safety and maintain hygiene standards during train travel.
The clip, widely circulated online, appears to show the vendor sitting near the entrance of a train coach while talking on the phone, with his feet placed on a tray containing samosas intended for sale to passengers.
Social media users raise concerns over hygiene standards
The footage prompted sharp criticism from users, who questioned food safety standards and cleanliness onboard trains. Many users expressed concern that the snacks being handled in the video were meant for passengers during travel, highlighting apparent lapses in hygiene practices.Railways orders enquiry, finds no authorised staff onboard
Following the circulation of the video, railway authorities initiated an enquiry into the matter. According to a statement cited by India Today, the Railways said no authorised staff member was found to be deployed onboard Train No. 12809-10 during the period from May 20, 2026 to May 22, 2026.The statement indicated that the individual seen in the viral clip was not identified as authorised onboard staff during the enquiry period.
Measures initiated to prevent repeat incidents
The Railways added that steps have been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. It stated that the concerned licensee has been sensitised and instructed to immediately report any unauthorised hawkers or suspicious activity to railway control rooms in real time.The authority said, “Licensee has been sensitised and advised to report any such unauthorised activities by hawkers to the concerned controls on a real-time basis.”
Renewed focus on unauthorised vending and hygiene concerns
The incident has once again drawn attention to the issue of unauthorised hawkers operating inside trains despite repeated enforcement measures. Passengers have frequently raised concerns regarding hygiene standards and food quality linked to unregulated vendors on long-distance routes.The viral video has also renewed discussions on the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement to ensure food safety and maintain hygiene standards during train travel.
