Central Railway’s Vigilance Department in Thane uncovered a major illegal parking operation at Kalyan (East) on Thursday night. The facility, operating under the guise of a legitimate Pay-and-Park service, was allegedly issuing forged receipts and maintaining fabricated documentation, raising concerns about systemic oversight failures.
The operation came to light after multiple complaints of overcharging from users of the Kolshewadi Pay-and-Park. Vigilance officials conducted a test by parking a vehicle and receiving a slip labelled “DS Enterprises, Site–M,” which immediately triggered suspicion. A detailed inspection confirmed that the receipts were entirely counterfeit and printed by the operator himself. Authorities detained the parking contractor, who was later handed over to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Kalyan for further investigation. During the process, multiple duplicate receipt books and fraudulent documents were seized, revealing the scale of the illicit operation. A senior vigilance officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that possible collusion between railway staff and the operator “cannot be ruled out,” prompting a broader inquiry.
Industry experts note that such fraudulent practices not only exploit daily commuters but also undermine the credibility of urban transport infrastructure. “Transparent monitoring of ancillary services like parking is critical for equitable city operations. Any lapse can cascade into larger governance failures,” an urban transport analyst explained. The Vigilance Department has now initiated an extensive probe to identify railway officials who may have facilitated or ignored the illegal activities. This investigation aligns with ongoing efforts across Indian cities to strengthen accountability mechanisms and ensure that auxiliary services maintain compliance with legal and safety standards. The case also highlights the need for digitised ticketing and automated monitoring systems to reduce human interference in urban parking management.
For the thousands of commuters relying on Kalyan station, the discovery of the scam serves as both a cautionary tale and a reassurance that regulatory authorities are actively pursuing citizen grievances. Local residents have welcomed the vigilance action, emphasising the importance of timely interventions in maintaining trust in public services. As urban centres like Thane continue to expand, effective governance of transportation facilities—including parking, last-mile connectivity, and commuter services—remains essential. Observers suggest that integrating digital payment systems, stricter audits, and real-time monitoring could prevent similar fraudulent activities in other railway hubs.
The ongoing investigation is expected to set a precedent for tighter surveillance of Pay-and-Park facilities across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, reinforcing accountability and citizen confidence in city infrastructure.
Central Railway Vigilance Exposes Fake Pay And Park Scam In Kalyan
