Viral Claim of Train Halt for Samosas is False, says Railways

Claim:

A viral video on social media claims that a loco pilot stopped a passenger train to buy samosas from a roadside stall.

Fact:

The claim is false.

What the video shows:

The viral clip shows a railway staff member stepping down from a halted train near a food stall and purchasing snacks, leading to speculation that the Indore–Mhow DEMU passenger train was deliberately stopped for personal reasons.

Railways’ clarification:

The Indian Railways has rejected the claim, stating that the video is misleading. According to officials, the train seen in the video was not a passenger train but a goods train (CGPT) that had already halted at the Rau Home Signal near Indore due to ongoing engineering work in the Rau yard.

During this authorised stoppage, an Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) briefly stepped out and purchased samosas and kachoris. Officials stressed that the train was not stopped for refreshments and that the viral video created a false narrative by linking the halt to food purchase.

Official statement:

“Goods Train CGPT, hauled by Loco Nos. 27237 + 27600, was stopped at the RAU Home Signal due to engineering work being carried out on the track in the RAU yard. During this stoppage, the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) was seen purchasing samosa and kachori. The train was not stopped for the purpose of buying food. A video of the incident has been shared with the wrong intention, falsely linking the stoppage to a passenger DEMU train.”

Conclusion:

The viral claim that a passenger train was stopped to buy samosas is incorrect. The stoppage was routine and authorised, and the video has been misrepresented on social media.

Verdict:

False