The Bengaluru railway division has intensified its efforts to curb unauthorised vending and ticketless travel through a special enforcement drive. According to officials, a total of 122 cases of unauthorised vending were detected during the operation, and fines amounting to Rs 1.52 lakh were imposed on the offenders.
Details of the Drive
The special drive was conducted across various railway stations under the Bengaluru division. Railway protection force (RPF) personnel and commercial staff carried out surprise checks to identify individuals involved in unauthorised vending and those travelling without valid tickets. The initiative aims to ensure a safe and orderly environment for passengers and to prevent revenue loss for the railways.
Unauthorised Vending Cases
Unauthorised vending includes the sale of goods, food items, or services without proper permission from the railway authorities. Such activities often lead to congestion, hygiene issues, and safety hazards on platforms and inside trains. The drive specifically targeted these illegal vendors, resulting in the detection of 122 cases. Offenders were penalised on the spot, with fines totalling Rs 1.52 lakh.
Ticketless Travel
In addition to vending, the drive also focused on passengers travelling without tickets or with improper tickets. Ticketless travel is a major concern for Indian Railways, leading to significant financial losses each year. While the report primarily highlights unauthorised vending, the overall operation underscores the division's commitment to enforcing railway rules and improving passenger experience.
Impact and Future Measures
The special drive has sent a strong message to potential offenders. Railway officials have stated that such enforcement activities will continue regularly to maintain discipline. Passengers are encouraged to purchase valid tickets and report any suspicious activities to railway authorities. The division also plans to increase surveillance and deploy more staff at key stations to deter illegal practices.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Indian Railways to enhance security, revenue, and service quality across its network. The Bengaluru division's proactive approach is expected to serve as a model for other divisions in the region.
