Mumbai: Central Railway has recovered a record ₹203.76 crore as penalty from 34.34 lakh cases of ticketless and unauthorised travel during the financial year 2025-26 (April 2025 to January 2026). The intensified ticket-checking drive reflects a sharp rise in enforcement compared to the corresponding period last year.
According to an official press release, 34.34 lakh passengers were apprehended for travelling without tickets, with improper tickets or invalid travel authority during FY 2025-26, marking an increase of nearly 9.8 per cent over 31.28 lakh cases detected in the same period of the previous financial year.
The penalty amount collected during this period stood at ₹203.76 crore, registering a significant growth of over 21 per cent compared to ₹167.61 crore recovered last year.
January 2026 Sees 32% Jump in Penalty Collection
In January 2026 alone, Central Railway’s ticket-checking teams detected 3.58 lakh offenders, up from 3.27 lakh in January 2025 — an increase of nearly 9.5 per cent.
The penalty recovered during the month reached ₹20.60 crore, compared to ₹15.62 crore in January 2025, reflecting a sharp 32 per cent rise in revenue from enforcement drives.
Mumbai Suburban Network: ₹27.39 Crore Recovered
Special attention has been given to Mumbai’s suburban network, often referred to as the lifeline of the city. During FY 2025-26 (April 2025 to January 2026), Mumbai Division’s ticket-checking teams penalised 9.49 lakh suburban passengers travelling without tickets or with improper tickets, recovering ₹27.39 crore.
In January 2026 alone, 1.14 lakh offenders were penalised in the suburban section, leading to a recovery of ₹3.42 crore.
Division-Wise Recovery Details (April 2025 – January 2026)
- Bhusaval Division: ₹68.86 crore from 8.18 lakh cases
- Mumbai Division: ₹62.73 crore from 14.51 lakh cases
- Pune Division: ₹23.73 crore from 3.84 lakh cases
- Nagpur Division: ₹22.91 crore from 3.68 lakh cases
- Solapur Division: ₹9.46 crore from 2.06 lakh cases
- Headquarters: ₹16.06 crore from 2.06 lakh cases
Multi-Pronged Strategy to Curb Ticketless Travel
Central Railway stated that it has adopted a multi-layered enforcement strategy, including station checks, ambush checks, fortress checks, intensive drives and mega ticket-checking campaigns. These operations are conducted across Mail/Express trains, passenger trains, special trains and suburban services.
The Railway administration has appealed to passengers to travel only with valid tickets purchased from authorised booking counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), the official website or through the Rail One mobile application.
Passengers have also been warned against using fraudulent methods to generate fake tickets. Such offences are punishable under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act, 2023, with provisions for fines and imprisonment of up to seven years, or both.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards ticketless travel, Central Railway emphasised its commitment to ensuring a safe, smooth and dignified journey for all passengers.
