In a significant move to boost passenger safety and curb unauthorized commercial activity, Central Railway conducted an intensive year-long campaign targeting illegal hawkers and touts across all its divisions. Nagpur Division recorded the highest number of violations, with 4,365 unauthorized hawkers booked between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
The crackdown, led by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in coordination with the Commercial Department, focused on removing hawkers operating illegally within station premises and inside trains. Across the Central Railway network, a total of 6,266 hawkers were prosecuted under Section 144 of the Railway Act, while 7 touts were booked under Section 143 for engaging in illegal ticketing activities.
Division-wise Action Taken:
• Nagpur: 4,365 hawkers prosecuted
• Mumbai: 128 hawkers, 6 touts booked
• Bhusaval: 1,151 hawkers prosecuted
• Solapur: 148 hawkers prosecuted
• Pune: 474 hawkers, 1 tout booked
Officials confirmed that Nagpur Division remained the primary hotspot during the campaign. The RPF conducted frequent surprise inspections and maintained strict surveillance to discourage unauthorized vending and touting, thereby improving the overall travel experience for passengers.
“This operation is part of our broader mission to ensure cleaner, safer, and more disciplined railway environments,” said a senior Central Railway official. “We are committed to continuing such drives with coordinated enforcement and vigilant monitoring.”
Passengers are strongly advised not to purchase tickets from unauthorized agents or touts and are encouraged to report suspicious activity to railway personnel or the RPF.
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