Central Railway Cracks Down On Ticketless Travel, Recovers ₹86.73 Crore In Penalties Between April And July 2025

Mumbai: Central Railway (CR) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorised and ticketless travel across its network, resulting in the detection of over 14.43 lakh cases of irregular travel during the April to July 2025 period.

Penalty Recovery Surpasses Target by 6.44%, Totals ₹86.73 Crore

The sustained efforts by the ticket-checking teams have led to the recovery of a staggering Rs 86.73 crore as penalties from offenders, surpassing the Railway Board’s target of Rs 81.48 crore for the period by 6.44%.

CR Conducts Fortress Checks, Mega Drives Across Trains and Stations

"CR has been conducting extensive ticket-checking drives across Mail Express trains, Passenger trains, Suburban trains in Mumbai and Pune, and Special trains. The drives are executed through various operations such as station checks, ambush checks, fortress checks, intensive checks, and mega ticket-checking drives across all its divisions and headquarters" said an official.

July 2025 Sees 62% Spike in Ticketless Travellers, 100% Surge in Fines

"The impact of these intensified checks is especially notable in the month of July 2025, where 3.08 lakh passengers were caught travelling without valid tickets, as compared to 1.91 lakh during the same month last year – marking a 62% increase. The penalty amount collected during July 2025 stood at Rs 16 crore, more than double the Rs 7.97 crore collected in July 2024, reflecting a sharp 100% increase" further added official.

Central Railway reiterated its commitment to providing passengers with a safe, smooth, and dignified travel experience, while discouraging irregular travel practices.

CR Urges Commuters to Buy Valid Tickets, Avoid Legal Trouble

In an official appeal, Central Railway urged all passengers to purchase valid tickets before boarding trains to avoid inconvenience and legal action.

“Travel with dignity. Travel with a valid ticket,” the message read, as CR continues its strict vigilance and enforcement across the network.

Also Watch:

Division-wise break up (April–July 2025):

Bhusaval Division: Rs 33.49 crore from 3.85 lakh cases

Mumbai Division: Rs 24.29 crore from 5.73 lakh cases

Nagpur Division: Rs 9.76 crore from 1.56 lakh cases

Pune Division: Rs 8.42 crore from 1.52 lakh cases

Solapur Division: Rs 4.18 crore from 85,000 cases

Headquarters: Rs 6.58 crore from 91,000 cases