Railway Board Launches Drive to Ensure Comfortable Travel for All
Viral pictures and videos of overcrowded trains and the problems faced by passengers with reserved tickets have forced the Railway Board to take action. In a circular to the Principal Security Commissioner of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), the Board has ordered a crackdown on unauthorized travel in Mail/Express trains. To manage the rush during the ongoing holiday season, several special trains have been introduced. Despite these measures, many trains remain overcrowded, with passengers filling every available space. When sleeper class coaches become too crowded, passengers move into AC coaches, making travel difficult for those with reserved tickets.
Inspector General Sarvapriya Mayank, in the circular, instructed the Zonal IGs to take coordinated actions during the peak summer period to ensure that travellers with valid reservations do not face difficulties. Mayank highlighted data from the Rail Madad App, which received 13,749 complaints between June 1 and June 12, mostly about unauthorized passengers in reserved coaches. The Board found this to be a serious concern and launched a drive to remove unauthorized passengers.
The circular calls for immediate action until June 30, the end of the peak period, to ensure that those with valid reservations can travel comfortably. This summer, there has been a huge rush all over the country, with people seeking cooler places or visiting pilgrimage sites due to the heat, in addition to the usual summer holiday travel. Over 50% of people in the country prefer long-distance travel by Mail/Express trains, and any sudden increase in traveller numbers can disrupt even the best-laid plans. This year, the rush and presence of travellers without valid tickets have often led to reserved passengers being unable to board trains, with compartments so packed that movement was nearly impossible.
The Board's directives outline a five-point action plan for the Zonal forces, focusing on checks to remove unauthorized travellers from reserved coaches. Regular checks are to be conducted in Mail/Express and other premium trains, especially in ladies' coaches and seats reserved for elderly passengers. Staff from the Commercial Department should join these checks, and strict legal action should be taken against those travelling without reservations or with current tickets in reserved coaches. Additionally, the Board proposed a mass passenger awareness program to educate travellers about not entering reserved compartments.
This initiative aims to stop unauthorized entry at the starting points of long-distance trains, allowing mid-station checks to remove unauthorized passengers. Frequent announcements at stations should warn travellers about the consequences of travelling without reservations in reserved coaches. Publicity materials and handbills should be distributed to inform travellers about the legal consequences of such violations. The RPF can also use videos and photos to monitor important trains, focusing on ladies' and Divyang coaches to prevent unauthorized travel.
The Headquarters stressed the need for ongoing efforts to maintain the sanctity of valid reservations. Zonal units have also been instructed to regularly analyze complaints on the Rail Madad App and take appropriate action to prevent unauthorized travel. The Board has requested daily reports during the identified period for intensive checks on Mail/Express trains from each Zone.
