The Ambala Railway Division has issued a stern warning to all catering and retail vendors operating within its jurisdiction, declaring a zero-tolerance policy against overcharging. Officials have clarified that charging even a single paisa above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) will lead to the immediate cancellation of vendor licenses. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Indian Railways to protect passenger rights and ensure fair pricing for food and beverage items across the national network.
- Vendors face immediate license cancellation for charging above MRP.
- Overcharging is a punishable offense under the Railways Act with fines up to ₹2,000 or imprisonment up to one year.
- Railway Board guidelines mandate a minimum fine of ₹1 lakh for catering contractors found violating pricing rules.
- Passengers should report incidents via the 139 helpline or the Rail Madad app.
Strict Enforcement and Legal Consequences
Indian Railways and its catering arm, IRCTC, maintain a strict stance against unethical vending practices. Under existing regulations, overcharging is classified as a violation of consumer rights. Beyond the threat of license termination, the Railways Act allows for severe legal action against offenders. Notably, the Ambala Division has a history of strict enforcement, having previously imposed a penalty of ₹1 lakh on a contractor in December 2022 for overcharging a passenger for a bottle of water.
How Passengers Can Help
To ensure transparency, railway officials have mandated that all vendors must prominently display approved price lists and provide printed bills for every transaction. Some stations have even adopted the “No Bill: The Food is Free” policy to encourage passenger vigilance.
If you encounter a vendor attempting to charge more than the MRP, you are encouraged to raise a complaint immediately. Passengers should document the incident and report it using the following channels:
- Railway Helpline: 139
- Rail Madad App
- Social Media: Tag @RailMinIndia or @IRCTCofficial
When reporting, ensure you provide essential details such as your PNR number, coach number, and the exact time of the incident. Providing these specific details allows railway authorities to conduct swift investigations and process potential refunds for affected passengers.