Viral Train Video Sparks Fire Hazard Warning as Woman Cooks Maggi with Electric Kettle

New Delhi, November 21, 2025: A video clip showcasing a woman preparing instant noodles, Maggi, inside an express train’s AC coach using an electric water kettle has gone viral across social media platforms, igniting a serious debate on passenger safety and the misuse of public infrastructure on Indian Railways.

The footage, whose exact origin and date remain unverified, shows the woman cheerily cooking the snack using an electric kettle plugged into the coach’s charging socket. In the video, she is heard humorously remarking that her “kitchen is on anywhere and everywhere,” suggesting that she “doesn’t get a holiday even on a holiday trip.” She also mentions plans to prepare tea for “at least 15 people” using the same device, while her co-passengers, believed to be family, look on.

Netizens Raise Major Safety Concerns

While a few social media users found the ingenuity of the ‘train travel hack’ amusing, the overwhelming response has been one of sharp criticism and concern over the significant safety risk posed by the act.

• Risk of Fire and Short-Circuit: The primary fear articulated by many users is the extreme danger of fire or an electrical short-circuit. Commenters highlighted that the power sockets provided in train compartments are strictly designed for low-power devices like mobile phones and laptops, typically supplying 110V.
• Overloading Circuits: High-wattage appliances, such as electric kettles, immersion heaters, or cookers, are prohibited as they can easily overload the electrical circuits, leading to system damage or a catastrophic fire, endangering the lives of all passengers onboard.

Phrases like, “This is a major safety hazard and can cause fire endangering lives of all onboard,” and “Illegal and fire hazard,” dominated the comments section, underscoring the severity of the violation.

Railways’ Strict Warning and Action

Responding to the circulating video and the concerns raised, the Central Railway issued a strong statement reiterating the strict regulations. They confirmed that action is being taken against the individual involved and the channel that distributed the content.

Key takeaway from the Railway warning: “Cooking inside a train compartment is strictly prohibited by Indian Railways due to the extreme fire hazard it poses.” Using electronic kettles or any high-load electrical devices is classified as illegal and unsafe and can cause fires or electrical failures.

Railway authorities have urged passengers to strictly avoid such hazardous behaviour and to immediately report any similar activity to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) or other on-duty officials for the safety of everyone travelling.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and the serious consequences that can arise from misusing public electrical infrastructure.