Mumbai: Railway Protection Force Strikes: 269 Cases Registered, 317 Arrested in Ticket Broker Crackdown

Mumbai, 15th November 2023: In a robust effort to clamp down on ticket brokers and the black market for reserved train tickets, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Central Railway has launched a comprehensive campaign resulting in 269 registered cases and the arrest of 317 individuals from April to October 2023. The operation aims to ensure a fair and transparent ticketing system, especially during peak travel times such as Diwali and other festivals.

Passengers, often facing the challenge of unavailability of reserved tickets during the holiday season, are frequently targeted by brokers. Exploiting the demand for tickets, these brokers operate within railway premises, enticing passengers with the promise of securing reserved tickets.

The Central Railway administration, in collaboration with the RPF, has undertaken various campaigns to combat this illicit practice. The RPF has been conducting raids on private travel agents based on information received from the cyber cell. These efforts have covered all five divisions of the Central Railway.

From April to October 2023, the RPF registered 269 cases, resulting in the arrest of 317 individuals under Section 143 of the Railway Act. A total fine of Rs 3.42 lakh has been collected from the arrested individuals. The Mumbai division recorded 98 cases, with 117 brokers arrested. Bhusawal division saw 72 cases and 77 arrests, Pune Division recorded 56 cases and 74 arrests, Nagpur division registered 36 cases and 41 arrests, and Solapur division reported eight cases with eight arrests.

The Central Railway administration emphasizes the use of its robust IT Cell and Skill Development Center, employing various software tools for essential tasks such as identifying online ticket brokers and conducting inspections through CCTV cameras. Last year, the RPF registered 178 cases of brokering between April and October, leading to the arrest of 208 individuals and the recovery of a fine amounting to Rs 6.64 lakh.

Passengers are reminded that purchasing tickets from unauthorized brokers is not only against the official rules but also jeopardizes the validity and security of the travel experience. The Central Railway administration urges passengers not to buy tickets from any brokers and to rely on the official ticketing channels to ensure a safe and legal journey.