RPF Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Railway Ticket Touts in Bengaluru
In a significant move to protect passengers from exploitation, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been actively combating the menace of unauthorized ticket touts, particularly in Bengaluru. With train ticket demand surging during festive seasons and other peak periods, these illicit operators pose a serious challenge by booking live tickets without proper authorization and selling them at inflated prices.
Alarming Statistics from South Western Railway Division
During the 2025-26 fiscal year alone, the RPF arrested 144 such touts within the South Western Railway's (SWR) Bengaluru division. These individuals were caught with a total of 277 live tickets, most booked in bulk, which authorities estimated to be worth just over ₹4 lakh. The presence of touts typically escalates during high-demand periods and within the Tatkal quota, where last-minute bookings are crucial for travelers.
"These touts are mostly those who pretend to be agents without obtaining a license from IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation)," explained a senior RPF officer from the Bengaluru division. "They create their own passwords using multiple phone numbers by purchasing two to three SIM cards, then generate numerous user IDs illegally."
Modus Operandi and Digital Surveillance
Touts typically book tickets online in bulk as soon as sales open, which occurs 60 days before the journey date. However, with IRCTC's push toward digital ticketing, RPF officials report a decline in such activities in recent years. The force has ramped up online surveillance to identify and apprehend these offenders.
"We encourage all passengers to opt for online ticket purchases as part of our strategy to reduce endless queues and altercations at booking windows," stated Shreyans Chinchawade, Bengaluru RPF's senior divisional security commissioner. "Our division's cyber cell actively analyses reservation charts and ticket booking patterns to pinpoint touts."
Impact on Economically Weaker Sections
Despite the benefits of online ticketing, the shift has adversely affected economically weaker sections who cannot afford commissions charged by registered agents. Migrant workers, in particular, often camp overnight outside reservation offices to secure Tatkal tickets, leading to tense situations.
Last week, a brawl erupted among passengers over long queues at Bengaluru Cantonment, highlighting the ongoing struggles. The RPF continues to balance technological advancements with equitable access, ensuring that all travelers, regardless of economic status, can book tickets fairly and securely.
