The minister of Union Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, has voiced grave concerns about the practice of unregistered individuals commuting in reserved carriages. He brought up the increase in complaints regarding unreserved passengers using reserved carriages that were received through the “RailMadad” application during a June 13 video conference with the general managers of all Zonal Railways.

Zonal Railways have been directed to initiate targeted, high-intensity campaigns involving the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police staff to tackle the issue. Ensuring that only passengers with validated tickets board the reserved coaches is the aim. This action is in response to a recent incident in which unauthorized individuals were using sleeper class berths on Train No. 12840 Chennai Central-Howrah Superfast Mail, preventing several passengers from boarding.

Train No. 16127 Chennai Egmore-Guruvayur Express topped the list of trains that are prone to unapproved travel, with 68 complaints in May alone. Trains No. 12635 Chennai Egmore-Madurai Vaigai Superfast Express1 and No. 16235 Thoothukudi-Mysuru Express are among the other trains impacted.

On all trains, more RPF officers and ticket-checkers are being dispatched by the railway administration. Unauthorized passengers who are discovered to be traveling in reserved coaches will be fined (extra fare) and assisted by security staff in getting off the bus at the next halting station. Additionally, announcements are made at the stations of origin to inform passengers holding waitlisted, general, or season tickets not to board reserved coaches. (with inputs from the news agency)