Ticketless travelling is a huge problem in Mumbai locals. Despite the best efforts of officials, many people still continue to travel on local trains without a valid ticket. It is believed that part of the reason for this is because of the low amount of fines imposed. Hence, people do not take them seriously and instead treat them flippantly. Recently an official from the Central Railways or CR called for the fine to be hiked. Here are all of the other important details that you would need to know about this particular request.
CR Official Calls For A Hike In Penalty For Ticketless Travel
According to an article which was recently published by The Times Of India or TOI, the letter was dated September 9, 2024, and was addressed to the Railway Board. It was written by B Arun Kumar who is the Chief Commercial Manager of Passenger Services of CR.
In the letter, he requested that the board increase the minimum penalty for irregular travel as well as ticketless travel on the local trains. He further went on to point out that the last time the penalty rates were revised was almost two decades ago in 2004.
Back then, the minimum penalty was increased from ₹50 to ₹250. Since then, the rates have not been revised. What is more, in the last two decades, the trains have had significant improvements like the introduction of AC trains, and more. However, the penalty structure remained unchanged.
Also Read: Mumbai Local Headway To Be Reduced By 30 Secs On All Lines; Trains Every 2.5 Mins Instead Of 3
Ticketless Travel Has Been A Problem In Mumbai Locals
As per the TOI article, in the fiscal year 2023 to 2024, the CR earned a whopping ₹115 crores from penalties alone. This hefty sum was collected from more than 20.56 lakhs of irregular or ticketless travel cases including cases of unbooked luggage.
Ticketless travel on trains is a huge problem and has been for the longest time.
What are some other ways that ticketless travel in Mumbai locals can be resolved? Let us know in the comments section below!
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