But Why Aman Munjal May 25, 2024

Ticketless Tightrope Walk: Navigating the Challenges of Unticketed Passengers on Indian Railways

Ticketless travel on Indian Railways remains a persistent problem, causing frustration for both passengers and the system itself. While reserved coaches often grab headlines, the reality is more complex. Passengers, regardless of the distance they travel, can find themselves caught in a precarious situation when faced with unticketed passengers (or fare evaders, ticket dodgers, or even unlicensed passengers).

The Scope of the Issue: A Statistical Snapshot

The exact number of unticketed passengers on Indian Railways is difficult to pinpoint. However, data from various sources paints a concerning picture:

RTI Reveals High Numbers: A 2023 Right to Information (RTI) query revealed that the Railways penalized over 3.6 crore passengers for traveling without tickets or with improper tickets in 2022-23. This represents a significant jump from 1.10 crore passengers caught in 2019-20, highlighting a worrying trend.
Financial Impact: The fines collected from these unticketed passengers amounted to over Rs. 2200 crore in 2022-23, indicating the financial loss incurred by the Railways due to fare evasion.

Behind the Ticketless Ticket: Reasons for Fare Evasion

Understanding the motivations for traveling without a ticket is crucial for finding a solution. Here’s a breakdown of the primary factors:

Economic Pressures: For daily commuters or those struggling financially, the cost of a ticket can be a significant burden. A short trip might seem like a justifiable expense to forgo, especially for low-wage earners.
Peak Season Squeeze: During festivals, exams, or other peak periods, trains become overcrowded. Desperate to reach their destination quickly, some passengers might squeeze onto a train without a ticket, hoping to avoid long queues or lax enforcement.
Lack of Awareness: In rural areas, a knowledge gap regarding the ticketing process can exist. Some might believe it’s too complex or time-consuming, leading them to forgo purchasing a ticket altogether.

The Disrupted Journey: How Unticketed Passengers Impact Paying Passengers

The presence of unticketed passengers creates a domino effect that negatively impacts paying passengers:

Crowded Chaos: Unticketed passengers disrupt the passenger capacity designated for each coach. This leads to overcrowding, a lack of personal space, and an overall uncomfortable travel experience.
A Sense of Injustice: Passengers who pay for their tickets feel cheated when they see others enjoying the same service without contributing financially. It breeds resentment and disrupts the fairness within the system.
Safety Concerns: Overcrowding poses safety risks, especially in case of emergencies. Evacuation procedures become hampered, potentially putting everyone on board at risk.

Finding a Balance: Towards a Sustainable Solution

Addressing ticketless travel requires a multi-pronged approach that tackles the root causes while ensuring fairness:

Flexible Ticketing Options: Introduce tiered ticketing options based on travel distance. Offer daily/weekly passes for regular commuters to make the system more accessible and cost-effective.
Bridging the Information Gap: Launch targeted awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas, to educate people about the ticketing process, its importance, and the consequences of traveling without a ticket.
Proportionate Enforcement: While strict enforcement is necessary, a nuanced approach is crucial. Fines should be proportionate to the distance traveled and consider the passenger’s economic background.
Technological Solutions: Develop user-friendly mobile ticketing apps to simplify the process and encourage people to book tickets electronically.

Conclusion

Ticketless travel on Indian Railways is a complex issue with economic and social roots. Understanding the reasons behind it and creating a more accessible and equitable ticketing system is crucial. By fostering a sense of fairness, promoting responsible travel behavior, and utilizing technology to streamline the process, we can ensure a smoother and safer journey for everyone on board.

Data Source: