The Railway Protection Force (RPF) recorded over 8,100 offences across Mumbai’s Central Railway in October, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining safety and compliance on one of India’s busiest suburban networks. Violations ranged from ticketless travel to unauthorised entry into ladies’ coaches, with penalties amounting to Rs 38.03 lakh, officials confirmed.
Among the offences, 59 individuals were booked under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act for allegedly misappropriating railway property, resulting in recoveries worth Rs 4.62 lakh. Another 17 persons were apprehended for possession of illicit substances including liquor, ganja, and tobacco products valued at Rs 8.21 lakh. Theft of passenger belongings accounted for 161 arrests, demonstrating a persistent threat to commuter security. Illegal entry into ladies’ coaches continues to be a key concern. Despite dedicated coaches for women, crowding and unauthorised access remain prevalent, especially on high-density stretches like CSMT–Kalyan and Dadar–Thane. “Our focus in October was on targeted inspections during peak hours to prevent misuse of women’s coaches,” an RPF official said.
Enhanced surveillance has complemented these enforcement efforts. CCTV monitoring now covers all 788 ladies’ coaches and major platforms, while RPF staff are stationed in first and last coaches during peak hours. Night-time operations are also monitored, with escort personnel ensuring female passengers’ safety. Railway officials emphasised that penalties serve both as deterrence and compliance reinforcement. “These initiatives are not merely punitive; they are aimed at fostering a safe travel environment for all, particularly women,” said a senior railway officer. The collection of Rs 38 lakh in penalties underscores both the scale of non-compliance and the administrative capacity to enforce regulations.
Industry experts note that suburban rail networks in megacities like Mumbai face unique security challenges due to high passenger volumes, mixed commuter behaviour, and insufficient public awareness of regulations. Strengthened enforcement, combined with public education campaigns, is critical to achieving safer and more equitable transit systems. Officials confirmed that these operations will continue with sustained focus, including additional surprise checks, reinforced security protocols, and passenger engagement initiatives. “Central Railway remains committed to zero-compromise safety, leveraging technology, personnel, and civic cooperation,” a spokesperson added.
As Mumbai’s rail network evolves, ensuring secure and inclusive travel remains a top priority. Integrating stringent enforcement with community awareness will be key to maintaining commuter trust while supporting the broader goal of sustainable urban mobility.
Central Railway Books Over 8100 People For Ticketless Travel And Ladies Coaches Violations
