Railway TTE detects E-Ticket fraud on-board

Two illiterate youth fell prey to Ticketing Agent’s fraud,  misusing Divyangjan Concession to get them confirmed tickets

On August 24, 2022 Shri I. Phaneendra Kumar, Travelling Ticket Inspector, Sleeper Depot, Vijayawada was manning AC Coaches from Vijayawada - Chennai  Central on Train No. 22825 Shalimar-MGR Chennai Central Express. After the train passed Ongole Station, he noticed two persons boarding B1-Coach after refilling their water bottles at the Station. TTE enquired about their berths, ticket and travel particulars. The youth showed him a screenshot of their Electronic Reservation Slip (ERS) of E-Ticket with handicapped concession certificate numbers and without any fare particulars in the photo. The youth were travelling from Santragachi to  Chennai with reservation Berths No. 2 & 5 in S3 compartment. TTE observed that the youth were physically and mentally fit.

Sensing some foul play, Shri Phaneendra Kumar, TTE enquired the youth about their particulars and mode through which they procured the ticket. He also asked them to produce the physical copy of the handicapped concessions through which the tickets were booked. The youth revealed that they don’t  have an idea of any such certificate and the e-ticket was purchased through a ticketing agent based at Kolkata. Also the age particulars of the passengers were not tallying with the Aadhar Cards shown by the youth. Both the youth and TTE tried to call back the agent who was responsible for this but the agent refused to answer and didn’t even call back his clients. The TTE then explained the situation to the passengers and told them that it was a clear case of misuse of travel concession by the agent and the fare and penalty amount was realized from them.

Railways for the benefit of Divyangjan, have launched online services for booking tickets through IRCTC by providing unique numbers to Divanganjan without approaching Reservation Ticket Counters. The beneficiary must carry the photo identity card issued by the Railways without which they shall be treated as travelling without ticket.

Shri Vavilapalli Ram Babu, Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager, Vijayawada Division commended Shri I. Phaneendra Kumar, TTE for his due diligence and detecting the fraud. Sr.DCM also appealed to the passengers to purchase the tickets from authorized agents only and to not fall prey to such frauds, and help genuine passengers to get confirmed tickets.

Note to Passengers: Once you buy a ticket, kindly confirm your name, age and fare paid before leaving the counter or before paying the agent, if booked through an agent. If any foul is found contact Railway Officials and help us in ensuring detection of any unauthorised agents.