A heartbreaking video of a food vendor sitting inside a Vande Bharat train and crying over not receiving his salary has gone viral across social media. The video shows the man claiming that he worked long hours every day but was removed from duty simply because he asked for his pending salary. After the clip spread widely, IRCTC finally reacted and shared its own explanation.
Vendor Claims He Was Fired After Asking for Pending Salary
According to the viral video posted by a railway enthusiast on X, the vendor said he had been working for months without any payment. He shared that he worked between 14–16 hours every day, but instead of receiving his dues, he was asked to get off the train at the next station.
He said that his company’s general manager called and informed him that he would be removed from duty. Later, his immediate manager reportedly came to him and told him to leave the train at Meerut after getting instructions from the senior team.
The vendor claimed he had not received salary for almost three months, which left him in financial trouble and debt worth ₹15,000–₹20,000. He added that many of his co-workers were also facing salary delays but were afraid to raise their voices.
Viral Clip Shows His Struggle and Pain
In the video, the vendor can be seen sitting upset in the train, explaining that he had no money to survive and only wanted the salary he had earned. He said he made a video and posted it online because he had “no other option left.”
Imagine working 14–16 hours daily for just ₹12,000… and then getting fired simply for asking your salary.
This is the condition of vendors in Indian Railways.
No one to listen, no one to care.@IRCTCofficial @RailMinIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw is this fair? pic.twitter.com/Ovdk7K0tG6
— Trains of India 🚆🇮🇳 (@trainwalebhaiya) September 20, 2025
The emotional clip quickly gained attention, with thousands of people questioning the working conditions of outsourced staff on trains.
IRCTC Issues an Official Response
As the video continued to circulate, IRCTC released a statement on X addressing the allegations. According to IRCTC:
- The vendor’s pending dues were already cleared.
- He was removed due to repeated complaints of misbehavior and poor service.
- Partner companies have been instructed to ensure timely salary payments to all staff as per contract rules.
IRCTC denied that the vendor was unfairly fired for demanding his salary.
Public Divided Over IRCTC’s Reply
Netizens had mixed reactions to the incident and IRCTC’s response.
Many people supported the vendor and questioned the long work hours and delayed payments. They argued that low-wage workers often struggle due to contractor mismanagement.
Others felt IRCTC’s explanation seemed reasonable and highlighted that proper behavior and service quality are also important.
The issue has opened a big debate on social media about the treatment of staff working under contract in Indian Railways.
Bigger Questions Raised About Contract Workers
This incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by temporary and outsourced employees in India. Long duty hours, low wages, and delayed payments are common issues raised by workers in multiple sectors.
Experts say that while India’s railway network is modernizing rapidly, the working conditions of ground staff still need strict monitoring.
Conclusion
The viral video of the Vande Bharat vendor has sparked a nationwide discussion on fairness, transparency, and accountability. While IRCTC claims that the vendor’s dues were cleared and his removal was due to service issues, many people continue to question whether contract workers receive enough protection and support.
The incident has shed light on a larger problem — the gap between frontline workers and management systems. Whether IRCTC takes further action or not, the conversation around worker rights in the railway ecosystem is far from over.
FAQs
What was the vendor’s main complaint?
He alleged that he worked for months without salary and was removed from duty after asking for his pending payment.
What did IRCTC say in its response?
IRCTC stated that all dues were already cleared and that he was removed due to repeated complaints of misbehavior and poor service.
Where did the incident take place?
The vendor said he was asked to get off the Vande Bharat Express at Meerut.
Why did the video go viral?
The emotional tone of the vendor’s message and the issue of unpaid wages touched many people, leading to widespread shares and discussions online.
Are contract workers common in Indian Railways?
Yes, a large number of catering, cleaning, and support staff are hired through private contractors, which often leads to issues related to salary, working hours, and job security.