Have you ever travelled by train without a ticket and rejoiced at never getting caught? Well, you can forget doing that when in Ludhiana because Ludhiana Railways found a way to make sure you don’t even think about it! Here’s how the Railways gave Ludhiana Railways’ ticketless travellers a run for their money.
Ludhiana Railways Teaches Ticketless Passengers A “Costly” Lesson
If you have assumed that railway stations are so bustling that you may get off scot-free if you decide to travel ticketless, you might want to reconsider. Ludhiana Railways has managed to rake in amounts beyond imagination, by holding those who dared to travel ticketless accountable.
In May, railway authorities in Ludhiana apprehended a staggering 21,295 individuals who were travelling without a ticket, thereby intensifying their efforts to enforce the rules. As a result of these actions, they collected penalties amounting to ₹1.6 crores.
According to railway authorities, a significant number of 530 violators were apprehended at the station, while the remaining individuals were caught by inspection teams during train checks.
It is worth noting that Ludhiana witnesses an approximate footfall of 80,000 to 100,000 passengers. Furthermore, the fine collections from migrant passengers at the station are among the highest in the region.
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In addition, the railway officials mentioned that due to ongoing construction for redevelopment projects, a total of 11 trains have been relocated to the Dhandari Kalan railway station.
Consequently, ticket-checking squads have been deployed at the new location.
₹1.6 Crores Collected By Ticketless Travellers By Ludhiana Officials
Officials also announced the implementation of new changes at the Ludhiana railway station starting from Monday. Two new booking counters located near the new entry points will become operational, while the existing counters will be closed.
These newly established counters can be found adjacent to the railway mail service office and the government railway police station, said the railways.
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At present, both the previous entry/exit gates of the railway station have been shut down, and two new entry-exit gates have been constructed.
Additionally, the offices of government officials, including the station director, station superintendent, ticket checkers, and health officers, will be temporarily relocated to offices situated at the northern end of the railway station.
Cover Image Credits: Canva
First Published: June 26, 2023 11:45 AM