Viral Video: Passenger calls 139 to complain about overcharging Rs 5 for water bottle; Railways orders refund, fines caterer Rs 1 lakh todayheadline

Indian Railways has fined a catering service Rs 1 lakh for overcharging passengers on board the Pooja SF Express. The penalty followed a viral video where a vendor charged Rs 20 for a bottle of Rail Neer, which is priced at Rs 15. The incident highlights Indian Railways’ commitment to addressing passenger grievances promptly and enforcing fair pricing policies.

Rail Passenger Complaint Sparks Action

The incident came to light when a passenger in the 3rd AC economy class recorded a video of the vendor charging extra for bottled water. In the video, lasting 1 minute and 47 seconds, the passenger questioned the vendor, who nonchalantly justified the overcharge, stating he needed to earn a living. After purchasing the bottle, the passenger immediately filed a complaint using the railway helpline number 139.

A representative from the catering service soon refunded the overcharged Rs 5 to the passenger. The passenger also urged the vendor to return the extra amount to other passengers in the coach.

Fine Imposed to Uphold Pricing Policy

Indian Railways later confirmed the imposition of a Rs 1 lakh fine on the catering service. The letter, shared in the video, reiterated the railways’ zero-tolerance stance on overcharging and unethical practices. This swift action serves as a warning to all vendors to adhere to pricing rules strictly.

How to File a Complaint with Indian Railways

Passengers can report grievances through multiple platforms:

Helpline Number: Dial 139 to lodge complaints.
Online Portal: Submit details via the Indian Railways website.
RailMadad: Use the grievance form to file and track complaints.
SMS: Send a complaint to 91-9717680982.
Security Issues: For security-related matters, call 182.

Indian Railways’ prompt action in this case reflects its dedication to ensuring passenger satisfaction and maintaining ethical service standards on board.