Prayagraj: Prayagraj division of North Central Railway (NCR) has collected more than Rs 6.35 crore in fines from passengers during an intensive ticket-checking drive conducted throughout the month of Sept, with over 69,000 passengers penalised for various violations.According to PRO, Prayagraj division, Amit Kumar Singh, a total of 69,640 passengers were found travelling without valid tickets, with irregular tickets, carrying unbooked luggage or violating rules related to smoking and cleanliness between Sept 1 and 30. The drive was conducted under the guidance of divisional railway manager Rajneesh Agrawal and senior divisional commercial manager Harimohan.Of the total cases, 26,900 passengers were caught travelling without tickets and were fined Rs 3.04 crore. Another 38,871 passengers were penalised for irregular travel, with Rs 3.01 crore collected from them. Thirty-three cases involving unbooked luggage resulted in fines of Rs 26,741.The railway also took action against 3,836 passengers for smoking or spreading dirt in railway premises and trains, recovering Rs 28.79 lakh in fines. The combined collection stood at Rs 6,35,57,235.Prayagraj station recorded the highest number of cases as well as the highest fine collection during the month. A total of 22,286 passengers were penalised there, generating Rs 2.05 crore in fines. Kanpur followed with 14,191 cases and Rs 1.34 crore in fines, while Prayagraj Chheoki recorded 7,789 cases and Rs 72.90 lakh in fines.Among other major stations, Tundla recorded 6,613 cases and Rs 62.55 lakh in fines, while Aligarh recorded 5,341 cases and Rs 45.71 lakh. Subedarganj recorded 2,950 cases, with fines amounting to Rs 26.25 lakh.The administration has appealed to passengers to travel only with valid tickets and follow railway regulations.Passengers have also been advised to use designated dustbins, maintain cleanliness in trains and station premises and inform railway officials about any irregularity or inconvenience. Officials said intensive ticket-checking drives would continue across Prayagraj division to ensure disciplined travel and improve the overall passenger experience.
