Mumbai’s suburban railway network is witnessing an intensified crackdown on ticket forgery as both Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) implement robust enforcement measures to curb fraudulent travel practices. The move comes after multiple cases of counterfeit and digitally altered tickets surfaced across the city’s suburban corridors, highlighting vulnerabilities in passenger verification processes.
Railway authorities have significantly stepped up inspections at major stations and onboard suburban and long-distance trains. Special enforcement squads, comprising ticket inspectors and security personnel, are conducting surprise checks to detect passengers travelling with invalid or manipulated tickets. Commuters have been advised to carry ID proofs that match the details on their season passes, with mismatches treated as irregularities, an official explained. The legal framework underpinning this drive is stringent. Offences related to generating or using fake tickets invoke various provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with penalties ranging from substantial fines to imprisonment of up to seven years. Officials emphasised that all passengers must purchase tickets through authorised platforms such as the UTS mobile application, ATVM machines, or official counters to avoid legal complications.
Several notable incidents have emerged in recent months. On CR, a passenger was caught with a counterfeit AC season ticket, which had been created by her husband. Another CR team apprehended three youths with falsified UTS season tickets after app verification revealed the passes were never issued. On WR, enforcement teams intercepted digitally edited mobile tickets and fake reserved tickets, including instances where passengers manipulated a ₹15 ticket into a season pass or used ineligible Handicapped quota tickets. Industry experts note that rising digital literacy and easy access to editing tools have made ticket forgery more sophisticated, necessitating proactive monitoring and technological intervention. A railway official highlighted that routine checks and public awareness campaigns are crucial to maintaining the integrity of India’s suburban transport network while ensuring commuter safety.
The crackdown also underscores a broader civic need: sustaining equitable and secure urban mobility. By strengthening verification protocols, enhancing staff training, and integrating digital authentication systems, Mumbai’s rail authorities aim to reduce fraud while promoting a reliable and inclusive transit environment. Officials said the drive will continue through December, with additional squads deployed during peak hours. Passengers are urged to cooperate with inspectors and arrive early at stations, contributing to a safer and more sustainable rail system across the metropolis.
CR WR Detect Multiple Fraud Cases Targeting Mumbai Suburban Train Commuters
