97 Unauthorized Vendors Apprehended in Special Drive to Curb Illegal Hawkers over Vijayawada Division

47 trains and 28 Static units were checked and Rs.1.28 Lakh realized as penalty by the Commercial Department

Commercial Department of Vijayawada Division has been undertaking continuous special drives to curb unauthorized vending at Railway stations and in trains all over the Division. Recently, Officers/Catering Inspectors of the Commercial department, Ticket checking staff, Railway Protection Force personnel etc. conducted week long Special Drive from 24th to 30th November, 2021 to curtail the menace of Unauthorized Vending and Hawkers, under the direction of Shri P. Bhaskar Reddy, Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager, Vijayawada.

During the weeklong Special drive, a total of 47 trains and 28 static units (general, minor units, stalls and food plaza) checks were conducted across Vijayawada Division from Gudur to Anakapalle. A total of 97 unauthorized vendors were apprehended realizing Rs.1,28,500 as penalty. The unauthorized vendors who could not pay the penalties were handed over to the Railway Protection Force for prosecution. To restrain the menace of unauthorized sale of eatables, beverages etc., in Railway premises, Vijayawada Division is conducting special drives regularly every month.

Shri Shivendra Mohan, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division appreciated the efforts of Shri P Bhaskar Reddy, Sr.DCM and the Commercial team to constrain unauthorized vending over the Division. He stated that strict action will be taken against anyone who is involved in such activities. He also emphasized that these special drives act as a deterrent for sale of unauthorized and unhygienic food items in Trains and Railway Station premises.