Indian Railways Reports 2.16 Crore Ticketless Passengers in FY 2023-24, Collects Rs 562.40 Crore in Fines
Mumbai: Indian Railways has reported a substantial number of ticketless travelers during the financial year 2023-24. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, approximately 2.16 crore passengers were caught traveling without tickets, resulting in the collection of around Rs 562.40 crore in excess charges from offenders.
Extensive Ticket-Checking Drives
To address the issue of fare evasion, Indian Railways conducted widespread ticket-checking drives throughout the year. These campaigns were organized by various zonal railways based on local conditions and directives from the Ministry of Railways. Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that ticket checking is a continuous effort aimed at ensuring compliance and boosting revenue collection.
Although the ministry does not maintain state-wise or station-wise data of ticketless travelers, the significant revenue generated from fines underscores the effectiveness of railway authorities’ enforcement measures.
Financial Impact and Revenue Generation
The Rs 562.40 crore collected from ticketless passengers represents a crucial component of Indian Railways’ non-fare revenue. By enforcing strict regulations and conducting regular inspections, Indian Railways aims to curb ticketless travel while reinforcing the necessity of following travel norms.
Ongoing Monitoring and Prevention Measures
Indian Railways remains committed to reducing instances of ticketless travel. Alongside periodic special campaigns, ticket examiners are strategically deployed across major railway stations and onboard trains to ensure compliance. Additionally, the introduction of digital ticketing solutions, such as the UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) mobile app, facilitates lawful ticket purchases, minimizing fare evasion.
Passengers are encouraged to cooperate with railway authorities and purchase valid tickets to maintain a fair and sustainable transportation system.
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