Jammu railway division apprehends 249 ticketless passengers during Navrati drive

JAMMU: The Jammu division of the railways conducted an intensive ticket-checking drive on the Katra–Pathankot rail section during Navratri, apprehending 249 passengers for travelling without valid tickets or with irregular tickets, officials said on Sunday.

The special drive aimed to ensure passenger comfort amid the festive rush and covered multiple trains and station premises along the route. A total fine of Rs 1.10 lakh was collected on the spot from those found in violation, they added.

Railway authorities said that this initiative was undertaken to facilitate a smooth and comfortable journey for pilgrims and other passengers visiting the shrine during the festival.

The operation was supervised by Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal. Teams comprising ticket-checking staff and personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) conducted inspections from Katra to Pathankot, they said.

Officials noted that similar drives are being conducted daily across the division to prioritise passenger safety, comfort, and orderly travel during the ongoing festival season.

During the campaign, passengers were also informed about the utility and benefits of the RailOne mobile application for ticketing and travel services.

Singhal warned that strict penal action under relevant provisions of the Railways Act would be taken against anyone found travelling without a valid ticket and urged passengers to maintain decorum and travel only with proper authorisation.

The Jammu Division said that intensified checking will continue at major stations and aboard trains throughout the festival period. (PTI)