Western Railway (WR) has collected fines worth ₹121.67 crore from ticketless and irregular passengers between April and October 2025. The collection — 51 per cent higher than the same period last year and 14 per cent above the Railway Board’s target — reflects a renewed emphasis on accountability and commuter discipline in Mumbai’s suburban and long-distance trains.
According to officials, multiple ticket-checking campaigns were conducted across Mumbai suburban services, Mail and Express trains, and passenger specials during the seven-month period. The drives, carried out under the supervision of senior commercial officers, aim not only to deter fare evasion but also to improve travel comfort and safety for genuine ticket-holding passengers. In October alone, WR recovered ₹24.20 crore through 3.39 lakh cases of ticketless travel and unbooked luggage — double the amount collected during the same month last year. Officials attributed the success to “frequent and surprise checks” conducted at major stations and within air-conditioned local trains.
To address a persistent problem of unauthorised commuters boarding AC local trains without proper tickets, special drives were intensified. Over 62,000 such passengers were fined ₹2.02 crore between April and October — a 76 per cent increase over last year. Authorities stated that these targeted efforts have helped reduce crowding and ensure equitable access to premium services for paying passengers. Public transport experts note that such enforcement measures are essential for maintaining service sustainability in a high-volume network like Mumbai’s, which carries over 30 lakh passengers daily. “Ticketless travel, if unchecked, can undermine financial stability and the commuter experience. A transparent and fair enforcement mechanism strengthens trust in the system,” said a transport analyst.
However, some urban mobility observers suggest that enforcement should go hand-in-hand with passenger awareness and digital convenience. “Introducing seamless digital ticketing, real-time ticket validation, and more accessible vending options can reduce the temptation to evade fares,” said an industry expert, adding that improved passenger education about penalties and digital ticket platforms could further enhance compliance. Western Railway’s renewed crackdown underscores a larger urban mobility shift — prioritising efficiency, equity, and revenue protection to build more accountable public transport systems. As Mumbai continues to modernise its suburban rail network, these efforts will be crucial in shaping a commuter culture that values both responsibility and shared civic discipline.
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