Mumbai: Western Railways cracks down on ticketless travellers in AC locals, improves punctuality of trains

A 15-member squad dedicated to AC local trains in Mumbai has been keeping a check on ticketless travellers for the past one week.

So far, 709 ticketless passengers have been fined in AC trains and the squad has collected Rs 2.30 lakh from May 30 to June 5. The squad will be further expanded as the officials believe the move has contributed in improving punctuality of trains.

AC locals, which cost about five times more than regular locals, have become crowded in peak hours due to ticketless commuters. This prevents the doors from closing and in turn there is a delay at the platforms. At least 10 per cent of the 40-50 local trains that are delayed on a daily basis are due to AC trains being stuck at various platforms.

The doors of AC trains are controlled by the guard, who gives a command from a panel in his cabin. The doors open and shut in a synchronised manned. An objection in the way of this process prevents the train from starting, causing average delays of 10 minutes to overall punctuality of trains during peak hours.

The Western Railway operates 1,406 trains daily, of which 109 are of AC locals. On weekends, the railway operates 65 AC services.