Chennai: As the Diwali festival sparks a massive exodus from the city, the Southern Railway has launched an intensive ticket-checking drive, uncovering widespread ticketless travel. In a staggering revelation, officials have confirmed that a fine of ₹2.86 crore was collected from 51,557 passengers caught without a valid ticket in just the last 15 days.
The special enforcement campaign, which ran from September 25 to October 10, saw the deployment of additional ticket inspectors at major hubs including Chennai Central, Egmore, and Tambaram stations. The crackdown highlights a persistent challenge for the railways during peak travel seasons, despite the availability of multiple convenient booking platforms.
Diwali Rush: Massive Crackdown at Central, Egmore, and Tambaram Stations
With passenger congestion reaching its peak, railway authorities appointed extra staff to conduct rigorous checks. The focus was on curbing the habit of traveling without tickets or in unreserved compartments, an offense under Section 138 of the Railway Act. A senior official stated, “Traveling without tickets increased during the holidays. Especially, those who traveled without tickets in electric trains are in the majority.”
Despite the Railway Department providing a suite of user-friendly options like online ticketing, QR scan facilities, and the UTS mobile app, a significant number of passengers opted to bypass the system. Officials have reiterated that all passengers must purchase proper tickets for their journeys, warning that strict legal action will be taken against violators.
Enhanced Security with Over 350 Additional RPF Personnel Deployed
Anticipating an even greater surge in crowds on October 17, 18, and 19, the railway administration has significantly bolstered its security and crowd management measures. To assist the existing force, more than 350 additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have been mobilized from regions including Jolarpettai, Arakkonam, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu.
These personnel arrived in Chennai on Tuesday and were briefed by senior officials on security protocols and crowd control strategies. They will be deployed at key stations such as Central, Egmore, Tambaram, and Guindy. An RPF official noted that with the number of train passengers doubling compared to usual levels, the additional troops are essential to regulate the overwhelming crowds and ensure security, especially on trains heading to the southern districts which are experiencing exceptional demand.