In a bold move to curb ticketless travel, Western Railway has rolled out a large-scale ticket-checking campaign named “NAMASTE” at Mumbai’s Borivali station. On the very first day, the drive exposed a staggering 5,192 passengers travelling without valid tickets, leading to the collection of ₹13.5 lakh in fines.
Ticketless travel has long been a persistent issue for Indian Railways, causing not just significant revenue losses but also creating an unfair burden on law-abiding passengers.
Unprecedented Staff Deployment
Normally, Borivali station operates with around 50 ticket examiners (TCs). For this campaign, the railway department deployed an extraordinary 350 personnel, including 300 TCs, with additional support from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other staff.
The heightened manpower ensured comprehensive checks and swift action against offenders, setting a strong precedent for other stations in the network.
Focus on Safety and Discipline
Passenger safety and staff protection are also central to “NAMASTE.” Ticket examiners have been provided with special black jackets made of thick cloth featuring six pockets and the capability to hold body cameras. This move allows for both the collection of video evidence during disputes and protection in case of physical altercations.
The decision follows a recent incident at Borivali where a ticketless traveller assaulted a TC and vandalized office property, underscoring the need for better staff safety measures.
New Infrastructure for Handling Offenders
Western Railway has also introduced pre-custody areas with CCTV surveillance and proper documentation systems at major stations. These secure spaces are designed to manage unruly passengers effectively while ensuring that due legal processes are followed.
Campaign Will Expand Across Suburban Network
While Borivali was the launch point, “NAMASTE” is set to expand to other suburban stations across Mumbai in the coming weeks. Authorities are urging passengers to always carry a valid ticket to avoid penalties and disruptions.
