Eastern Railway has renewed its appeal to passengers to travel with valid tickets after reporting more than 212,000 cases of ticketless travel across its network during May 2026.
The railway zone said it has been conducting extensive awareness campaigns and ticket-checking drives to discourage fare evasion, which officials describe as a significant operational challenge despite the low cost of rail travel.
According to Eastern Railway, a total of 212,553 passengers were found travelling without valid tickets between May 1 and May 31. The highest number of cases was recorded in the Howrah Division, which detected 86,601 violations. The Sealdah Division reported 46,591 cases, followed by 48,416 in the Asansol Division and 30,945 in the Malda Town Division.
Railway officials noted that ticketless travel remains particularly prevalent in parts of the Sealdah Division. They highlighted that fares on many suburban routes remain among the lowest in the country, with some short-distance journeys costing as little as Rs 5 and longer suburban routes such as Sealdah–Diamond Harbour or Sealdah–Canning priced at Rs 15. Monthly season tickets on these routes are also available at relatively low rates.
Eastern Railway said passengers caught travelling without valid tickets are subject to penalties under provisions of the Railways Act. Under Section 137, individuals found travelling fraudulently without a proper ticket may be required to pay the applicable fare along with an excess charge, with a minimum penalty of Rs 500. Failure to pay may result in prosecution, which can carry fines, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, depending on the court’s decision.
Section 138 of the Act also provides for excess fare and charges for passengers travelling without a valid ticket or pass, with the minimum excess charge currently fixed at Rs 500.
Railway authorities argue that the financial and legal consequences of fare evasion far outweigh the cost of purchasing a valid ticket. Officials also stressed the potential social and emotional impact on families when passengers are penalized during inspections.
Eastern Railway said it will continue awareness initiatives alongside intensified enforcement measures aimed at reducing ticketless travel and encouraging compliance with railway regulations.
Shri Shibram Majhi, Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway, urged commuters to purchase valid tickets before travelling, stating that affordable fares are intended to make rail transport accessible while ensuring the smooth functioning of services for all passengers.
