Indian Railways has officially refuted a viral video that falsely claimed a loco pilot stopped a train to purchase samosas. The video, which circulated widely on social media, showed a train halted near a railway crossing, with a man seen handing food to the driver. However, the railways clarified that the stop was a routine operational halt, not a snack break.
What the Viral Video Showed
The video, shared on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, depicted a train stationary at a level crossing. A person was seen approaching the locomotive and passing something to the driver, which viewers assumed were samosas. The caption alleged that the loco pilot had deliberately stopped the train to buy the snack, sparking outrage and amusement among netizens.
Railways' Official Response
In a statement, Indian Railways dismissed the claim as baseless. “The train was stopped due to a signal or operational requirement, not for personal errands,” a spokesperson said. “Such misinformation harms the image of railway staff who work diligently to ensure safety and punctuality.” The railways also warned against sharing unverified content.
Details of the Incident
The incident reportedly occurred on the Howrah-Delhi route. According to railway officials, the train had a scheduled halt at the station, and the driver was receiving a mandatory snack pack provided by the railway canteen. “It is standard practice for loco pilots to be provided with refreshments during long journeys,” the spokesperson added. “The video was misleadingly edited to suggest otherwise.”
Impact of Misinformation
The false claim drew criticism from the public, with many questioning the professionalism of railway staff. However, after the clarification, several users who shared the video apologized. The railways emphasized that such rumors can undermine trust in the system. “We urge people to verify facts before spreading content that can damage reputations,” the statement read.
Previous Similar Incidents
This is not the first time a viral video has misrepresented railway operations. In 2023, a clip of a train halting for a medical emergency was falsely labeled as a driver taking a nap. Indian Railways has a dedicated fact-checking unit to counter such narratives. The unit investigates claims and issues corrections within hours.
How to Verify Such Claims
Indian Railways advises the public to cross-check viral videos with official sources. They provide a helpline and social media handles for reporting suspicious content. “We are committed to transparency and encourage citizens to reach out if they have doubts,” the spokesperson said.
