06 June,2026 07:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
WR said that during May 2026 alone, around 3.21 lakh ticketless and irregular passengers were detected. Representational Pic/File
Western Railway has collected more than Rs 50 crore in penalties through intensive ticket checking drives conducted across its network during April and May 2026, officials said
According to an official statement, a total of 6.80 lakh ticketless and irregular passengers, including cases involving unbooked luggage, were detected during the two-month period. The drives generated revenue of Rs 50.33 crore, marking a nearly 16 per cent increase compared to Rs 43.54 crore collected during the corresponding period last year.
To curb ticketless travel and ensure a smoother travel experience for passengers, Western Railway carried out extensive checking operations on Mumbai suburban services, Mail and Express trains, passenger trains and holiday special services, it said.
The ticket checking teams, working under the supervision of senior commercial officers, conducted regular inspections across various sections of the railway network, the officials said.
Western Railway said that during May 2026 alone, around 3.21 lakh ticketless and irregular passengers were detected.
The month-long enforcement drive resulted in the recovery of approximately Rs 23 crore in penalties, highlighting the scale of the anti-ticketless travel campaign, the statement said.
Railway authorities also carried out surprise and targeted checking drives on air-conditioned suburban local trains to prevent unauthorised travel.
Between April and May 2026, more than 32,600 cases were detected in AC local trains, leading to the collection of nearly Rs 1 crore in fines, it said.
The officials said this represented a significant increase of around 190 per cent compared to the Rs 34.90 lakh collected during the same period last year.
In the Mumbai suburban section alone, Western Railway detected over 2.20 lakh ticketless and irregular passengers during the two-month period, the officials further stated.
These cases resulted in penalty collections of approximately Rs 11.80 crore.
Western Railway said that the enforcement drives are aimed at reducing revenue losses, maintaining passenger discipline and ensuring fair travel practices.
The railway administration has urged passengers to travel only with valid tickets and proper travel documents to avoid any penalties and inconvenience.
