Every day, millions of us—students, families, workers and tourists—rely on Indian Railways for travel. Yet, this journey is often marred by routine exploitation. We are forced to pay exorbitant prices for basic necessities: vendors demand ₹20 for a water bottle that should cost ₹15, ₹150-₹250 for a simple lunch and up to ₹25-30 for a cup of tea. These prices are often nearly double the official government-stipulated rates.
This overcharging persists because of a complete lack of transparency and accountability. Without a mandatory system of issuing receipts, vendors operate with impunity.
But what happens when a common passenger dares to question this? The reality is horrifying and dangerous.
Ordinary people who stand up for their rights are being met with threats, intimidation and brutal physical violence. These are not isolated cases, they are a terrifying pattern happening on our trains.
• On the Hemkunt Express, travel vlogger Vishal Sharma filed a complaint on the RailMadad app after being overcharged for water, coffee and noodles. In retaliation, pantry staff confronted him at his berth, grabbed his leg and viciously attacked him, tearing his clothes and leaving him injured. He feared for his life, stating, "an attempt was made to kill me".
• On the Somnath Express, a young passenger in a sleeper coach simply asked for an official bill for a ₹20 water bottle. Instead of a receipt, he was threatened, forcibly dragged to the pantry car and beaten up. He later wrote, "I was beaten and abused in a way that I can't even describe. I’m genuinely afraid to travel by train now".
• On the Geetanjali Express, a passenger named Satyajit Barman was physically assaulted by several catering employees after he complained that food and water were being sold above the maximum retail price. The attack led to a police case being registered against seven individuals.
• On another journey, a passenger on train number 11463 was violently attacked by multiple pantry staff members after lodging a complaint about inflated prices.
These incidents have sparked widespread outrage, with fellow passengers expressing fear and demanding action. One person commented online, "how can passengers feel safe when such incidents happen even in 3rd AC?". Another noted that such a threatening confrontation on a moving train could have ended even worse.
While Indian Railways and IRCTC have responded to some viral incidents by imposing fines and terminating vendor contracts, these are reactive measures that fail to address the root cause. The attacks continue to happen.
We need a simple, systemic solution to protect all passengers.
We, the undersigned, call on the Railway Ministry and IRCTC to take immediate action to end this culture of exploitation and violence by implementing one crucial policy change:
Mandate that all vendors on trains and railway platforms issue a payment slip for every single transaction.
This small but significant step will:
• Ensure Transparency: Force vendors to comply with government-approved rates.
• Empower Passengers: Provide every passenger with the evidence needed to contest overcharges without fear of retaliation.
• Hold Vendors Accountable: Create a clear record for every sale, helping to fight corruption and ensuring vendors adhere to price norms.
• Enhance Safety: Reduce the likelihood of violent confrontations by professionalising every transaction.
Train journeys should be comfortable and safe, not a source of fear and financial exploitation. Let's stand together for accountability in our railway services.
Please sign this petition and demand that the Railway Ministry and IRCTC make our trains safe and fair for everyone by mandating payment slips immediately.