Western Railway (WR) has cracked down on ticketless travelers in Mumbai, recovering a massive Rs 70.98 crore in fines between April and July 2025. This marks a 24% jump from last year and surpasses the Railway Board’s target by 11%. The numbers highlight the railway’s aggressive enforcement push to ensure lawful travel.
The Mumbai suburban section alone contributed Rs 19.55 crore of the total fines. A senior WR official said, “The spike in collections reflects our commitment to smooth and fair travel for all passengers.”
July 2025 stood out as a particularly strict month. Penalties soared to Rs 12.19 crore from 2.22 lakh cases, a staggering 134% increase compared to July 2024. In the suburban section alone, Rs 3.65 crore was recovered from about 92,000 violations.
Air-conditioned (AC) local trains were a key focus. Surprise checks caught over 28,000 unauthorized passengers, leading to fines of Rs 93.40 lakh, up 58% from last year. WR emphasized its zero-tolerance approach for those skipping fare payments.
Behind these numbers is a strategy of frequent, unpredictable inspections. Senior commercial officers supervised teams, ensuring strict monitoring across the network. “These efforts protect public revenue and improve the passenger experience,” an official noted.
WR has issued a fresh appeal to travelers: carry valid tickets or face penalties. The message is clear – compliance is mandatory, and enforcement won’t slow down.
The railway’s campaign shows no signs of stopping. With consistent checks and rising fines, WR is sending a strong message to potential offenders. For passengers, the choice is simple: pay the fare or pay the fine.