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Indian Railways Cancels Catering Contract After Passenger Assault on Hemkunt Express

Following a viral video of a travel vlogger being attacked for reporting overcharging, authorities imposed fines, lodged an FIR, and terminated the vendor’s contract.

Overview

  • Travel vlogger Vishal Sharma was assaulted by catering staff on the Hemkunt Express after filing a complaint about overcharging for food and water.
  • Sharma documented being charged ₹20 for a bottle of water instead of the approved ₹15, as well as inflated prices for coffee and noodles.
  • The Ministry of Railways imposed a ₹5 lakh fine on the catering vendor and confirmed an FIR was lodged by the Government Railway Police in Kathua.
  • Indian Railways terminated its catering contract with Hotel Rajasthan, citing misconduct and breaches of contractual obligations.
  • The incident has raised concerns about passenger safety and accountability, prompting a formal investigation by railway authorities.