For many Indians, long train journeys are incomplete without the comforting call of the chai waala, offering hot tea to weary travelers. While some of these vendors are linked to official railway catering services, many board trains from outside stations. However, a shocking viral video has cast a dark shadow over this beloved tradition, raising serious concerns about hygiene practices.
The Shocking Discovery
The video, shared on Instagram by a user named Ayub, captures a disturbing scene that has left millions appalled. It shows a tea vendor entering a train bathroom after his tea supply runs out. Instead of using proper facilities, he begins washing his tea utensils with the very same pipe used for personal hygiene in the toilet. Completely indifferent to the unhygienic conditions, the vendor continues cleaning amidst the unsanitary environment.
The video appears to have been filmed secretly by someone familiar with the vendor, though the tea seller’s full face is not clearly visible.
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Social Media Uproar
The video has rapidly gone viral, amassing over 110 million views on Instagram. It has been shared by 3.4 million users, liked by more than 565,000 people, and received over 9,000 comments.
Reactions have been intense. One user, Srinath Ravindran, commented, “This is one of the many reasons behind leaving India. I mean, you cannot trust any person selling tea outside.” Another shocked viewer wrote, “I am watching this video while drinking tea on the train.”
Adding to the outrage, a user named Raghavendra Pratap tagged the Indian Railway Minister, stating, “I travel every 1-2 months. I’ve complained about food quality and pricing but withdrew my complaints out of sympathy for staff. But after watching this disgusting video, even if their salary is cut, I won’t let it go now.”
A Wake-Up Call for Food Safety in Trains
The video has not only gone viral but has also ignited a wider conversation about food safety standards on Indian trains. As public frustration grows, many are urging railway authorities to take strict action to ensure the hygiene of food and beverages served during travel.