That's thanks to 85% Central Railway ticket checkers having been diverted to long-distance trains

Comeu00a0Monday, if you are travelling ticketless on Central Railway and manage to escape ticket checkers, it's not a bout of good luck. There will be scores like you. About 85 per cent of ticket checkers on the Central line are expected to be shifted to serve long-distance trains due a shortage of Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) on long-distance trains.


Central Railway to 'donate' its ticket checkers. Pic/ AFP

Last week, Onkar Singh, head of ticket checkers working for Central Railway, informed his subordinates about the move. When the group questioned the senior about the reason behind the move, they were offered no clear answer.

One ticket checker who has been shifted, spoke on condition of anonymity. "I was informed that I was being moved but no reason was given." According to sources, the order has come from the Railway Board in Delhi. A shortfall of TTEs on long-distance trains is apparently leading to major losses for the Central Railway.

While, ideally, nine TTEs should be stationed on each long-distance train, most trains run with only three. Unable to check and mark passengers' tickets, several passengers have been using unmarked tickets to claim refunds.

According to AK Singh, Public Relations Officer, Central Railway, "The circular is old. We are just implementing the order now."

Other than leading to a shortage of TTEs on local trains, the move will lead to additional problems. From among the 1,800 ticket checkers employed with the Central Railway, 500 are being moved to cover the Pune line, and another 500 to the Bhusawal line.

"There are no arrangements for such large numbers to be accommodated at Pune and Bhusawal stations," says a ticket checker. Pune Station has room for only four TTEs, and Bhusawal, for 100.