Mysuru: In a bid to curb ticketless travel and to prosecute persons found violating provisions under various sections of Railways Act, 1989 including smoking, footboard/roof top travel, gents travelling in ladies compartments, occupying seats in coaches meant for physically challenged and transportation of luggage without booking, the Mysore division of South Western Railway launched a massive drive on Mysuru-Chamarajanagar Section on Thursday.
A contingent comprising 30 ticket checking staff and 60 Railway Protection Force personnel was led by Divisional Commercial Manager D P Halappa, Assistant Commercial Manager Kencha Naik and Assistant Security Commissioner Ramakrishnappa of Railway Protection Force, South Western Railway, Mysuru. The Special Railway Magistrate was also associated in prosecuting persons booked for violating provisions under various Sections of the Railways Act, 1989.
During an inspection on Chamarajnagar–Mysuru-Bengaluru Passenger train (No.56281) between Kadakola and Ashokpuram stations, a total of 127 persons were booked for violating Railways Act, 1989 and slapped a penalty of Rs 20, 000. As many as 24 offenders were imprisoned by the Magistrate for not paying up the fine imposed on them. In the concurrent checks in the day, a total of 92 cases were also booked– 52 for Higher Penalty (ticketless travelling) and 40 for carrying luggage without booking. The total amount of penalty collected was Rs 21,765.
Atul Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager, South Western Railway, Mysuru division has warned that such checks would be intensified in the days to come and ticketless travellers and those violating Railway Rules would be severely dealt with. He has urged the rail users to always undertake journey using proper travel authority and help the Railways to offer better service.
