CR cracks down on ‘towel-spreading’ gangs in massive passenger safety drive

RPF has also cracked down on other illegal activities. PICS BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Towel-spreading gangs," bogus seat-grabbers, drug smugglers and liquor carriers - Central Railway's Railway Protection Force (RPF) says it has launched an all-out war against the everyday menace troubling train passengers. And the numbers are massive.

In just four months, the RPF of Central Railway has cracked down on 1,367 touts and illegal seat blockers, seized contraband worth Rs 43.67 lakh, and recovered lost passenger belongings worth over Rs 3 crore.

"The biggest focus was on the notorious practice of ‘towel spreading' - where unauthorised passengers occupy reserved berths and seats using towels, bags or handkerchiefs before genuine passengers board. The nuisance, common on long-distance trains, has become a major headache for passengers travelling with confirmed reservations," Central Railway's chief public relations officer Dr Swapnil Nila said.

"Under Operation Uplabdh, RPF teams carried out surprise checks and aggressive drives against unauthorised entry into reserved coaches and illegal seat occupation. Between January and April 2026, 1,377 cases were registered and 1,367 people were caught across Central Railway. Mumbai division alone accounted for a staggering 998 cases and 986 arrests," he added.

Officials said the operation was aimed at restoring reserved coaches to genuine ticket holders who are often forced into arguments. The RPF also seized ganja worth Rs 21.92 lakh in 13 cases and arrested 10 offenders, with Nagpur division emerging as the biggest hotspot.

1367
No of offenders caught