Surprise check on train yields Rs 11,000 fine

COIMBATORE: The Salem railway division said it would conduct surprise inspections on trains to check the efficiency of ticket checks, extent of ticketless travel and functioning of passenger amenities.
On Saturday, a team led by senior divisional commercial manager Vijuvin took out such an inspection in the Coimbatore-Chennai Intercity Express. The team, comprising seven ticket checking staff and two railway protection force (RPF) personnel, checked all the coaches. They found 28 passengers travelling without tickets or excess baggage and collected a total fine of Rs 11,420.

“Though ticket examiners check tickets at every station, some manage to dodge them by waiting in another coach or restrooms until TTE completes checking a particular coach,” said a railway official.

The team also inspected the train’s pantry car to check the quality and quantity of food. The hygiene and cleanliness of the car and the ingredients used to prepare the food were checked. The team also collected passengers’ feedback on food quality. “A majority of them were satisfied with the quality of food served,” the official said.

The team also created awareness on various passenger helplines they have created, so that passengers could seek assistance while travelling. “We informed them about the helplines like 138 for complaints, and 139 for rail enquires, among others,” the official said.

Vijuvin said surprise inspection will continue to curb ticketless travel and ensure proper maintenance of passenger amenities.