06 October,2026 10:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The jackets include dedicated pockets for handheld terminals (HHTs) and EFT devices, allowing the staff to keep the equipment secure while ensuring quick and easy access during ticket checking. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Mumbai Central Division has deployed 30 specially designed jackets for ticket-checking staff on a pilot basis, with the initiative aimed at improving their comfort, mobility and efficiency during field duties.
The jackets have been designed to help the ticket-checking staff carry essential equipment more conveniently while allowing them to move freely during intensive checking drives and in crowded locations.
The specially designed jackets feature lightweight, breathable fabric to improve airflow and ventilation, making them more comfortable for staff during long hours of duty.
The jackets include dedicated pockets for handheld terminals (HHTs) and EFT devices, allowing the staff to keep the equipment secure while ensuring quick and easy access during ticket checking.
A separate pocket has also been provided for portable voice amplifiers used by ticket-checking staff. The jackets have an arrangement for routing headset wires directly to facial level, keeping the wires organised and reducing the possibility of obstruction during duties.
The design ensures that essential operational equipment remains within easy reach, while also helping prevent items from being dropped, misplaced or damaged.
According to the division, the jackets are particularly useful during Fortress Checks, AC local checking, special drives and peak-hour duties, when ticket-checking staff may have to work in crowded locations and handle multiple pieces of equipment.
The hands-free design is intended to allow staff to move and work more freely while carrying the equipment required for checking and communication.
The jackets also provide ticket-checking staff with a uniform and professional appearance, alongside the operational benefits of having essential equipment securely arranged in one place.
The Mumbai Central Division said the jackets provide a compact and practical solution for carrying checking and communication equipment and are aimed at supporting more efficient field operations.
The 30 specially designed jackets have been procured and deployed on a pilot basis in the Mumbai Central Division.
The deployment comes as Western Railway has intensified ticket-checking activity across its network. Between April and September 2026, the railway detected 15.49 lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel, including unbooked luggage, and collected Rs 116.52 crore in fines. Intensive checking was carried out on Mumbai suburban local trains, long-distance Mail/Express trains, passenger trains and holiday special trains.
