In a major crackdown on ticketless and irregular travel, the Nagpur Division of Central Railway conducted an extensive day-long checking drive, netting a substantial sum in penalties. The operation, carried out on November 29, saw officials recover a whopping ₹11.29 lakh in fines from passengers found violating ticketing rules.
Massive Scale of the Ticket Checking Operation
The drive was executed on a large scale, covering a total of 23 trains across the division. To ensure its success, the operation was conducted under the close watch of senior commercial officers. A dedicated force comprising 80 ticket-checking staff was deployed, who were supported by personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and eight chief ticket inspectors.
This coordinated effort was specifically aimed at curbing the practice of irregular travel, which includes traveling without a ticket, with an incorrect ticket, or in a class higher than the one paid for. The sheer number of personnel allowed for maximum coverage and effective enforcement of railway regulations.
Staggering Number of Violations Detected
The results of the intensive drive were revealing. During the checks, the teams detected a total of 1,665 cases of irregular travel. Breaking down the numbers further, officials stated that on average, each staff member detected approximately 20 cases and collected around ₹14,113 in fines.
This high average per official highlights the efficiency and alertness of the teams on the ground. The significant recovery amount underscores the prevalence of ticketless and irregular travel, which causes revenue loss for the railways and affects fair travel practices for honest passengers.
Future Plans for Fair Travel
The Nagpur Division has signaled that this is not a one-off event. Officials announced plans to conduct similar intensive ticket checking campaigns in the coming months. The objective is clear: to enhance transparency in the ticketing system and ensure that all passengers follow the rules, creating a fair environment for everyone who uses the railway network.
Such drives serve as a strong deterrent against ticketless travel. By increasing surveillance and conducting surprise checks, the railways aim to plug revenue leakage and encourage passengers to purchase valid tickets for their journey, thereby supporting the system's financial health and service quality.
