Mumbai: Central Railway (CR) has intensified its crackdown on the alleged misuse of the Foreign Tourist (FT) quota after detecting 39 cases of Indian passengers travelling on tickets booked under the quota without possessing valid supporting documents. The errant passengers were fined a total of Rs 3.56 lakh under the existing railway rules.
Initial Detection and Analysis
The issue first surfaced on February 4 in Train No. 12296 Sanghamitra Express, when ticket-checking staff found some Indian passengers travelling on FT quota tickets without the documents required for foreign tourists. Following the detection, CR undertook a detailed analysis of future-dated FT quota bookings. Railway officials found that 174 originating PNRs had been generated under the FT quota across 31 trains for travel between April 24 and June 11.
Special Drives and Penalties
Subsequent special drives by the ticket-checking staff led to the detection of misuse in 39 PNRs involving 121 passengers. Railway authorities recovered Rs 3.56 lakh as penalty from these passengers. CR's chief public relations officer Swapnil Nila said passengers were not allowed to occupy the reserved berths, which were later allotted to RAC and waitlisted passengers.
Investigation and Legal Action
CR has also sought additional details from IRCTC to ascertain whether any authorised booking agents were involved in facilitating the bookings. An investigation is underway to identify individuals and entities linked to unauthorised FT quota reservations. Railway officials reiterated that booking tickets under an ineligible quota is a punishable offence under the Railways Act. Passengers travelling under special quotas are required to carry valid identity and supporting documents.
IRCTC Guidelines for FT Quota
According to IRCTC guidelines, the FT quota facility is meant for foreign tourists and NRIs holding valid passports and verified international mobile numbers. Passengers booking under the quota must provide passport details at the time of reservation and can avail bookings up to 365 days in advance. The quota is available in classes including Executive Class, AC tiers, Sleeper and Second Sitting. IRCTC also levies a separate service charge of Rs 200 plus GST per FT quota ticket, apart from the regular rail fare.
Appeal to Passengers
CR appealed to passengers to report any such irregularities to railway staff, through helpline 139, or via the Rail Madad app. Passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant and help the railways maintain fair ticketing practices.
