Western Railway launches 'Operation DEEP' against ticketless travel ahead of Diwali rush

Passenger crowds on trains are expected to rise during the Diwali festive season. With this in view, Western Railway (WR) in Mumbai has started a special ticket-checking drive named 'Operation DEEP'. Its aim is to stop ticketless travel and catch passengers travelling on the wrong ticket.

Under the campaign, the railway's ticket-checking teams will step up checks on suburban local trains as well as long-distance services. The aim is to end fare evasion and ensure every passenger travels with the correct ticket.

The railway says that when movement rises during festivals, ticketless and unauthorised journeys also tend to increase. The drive will therefore strengthen enforcement. Surprise checks will be carried out at railway stations and inside trains to identify rule-breakers.

Western Railway has been steadily stepping up such action for some time. According to figures, between April and August 2026 it detected 13.47 lakh passengers travelling without a ticket or without authorisation. Fines of about Rs 100 crore were collected from them.

The railway administration is also focusing on unauthorised travel in AC local trains and first-class coaches. Passengers holding ordinary tickets or passes are not allowed to travel in these coaches.

Penalty rules have also become stricter. From June 20, 2026, the minimum penalty for travelling without a ticket has been raised to Rs 500. Passengers caught travelling without valid authorisation may have to pay the applicable fare along with a prescribed extra charge.

The railway administration has appealed to passengers to buy a valid ticket before boarding and to cooperate with ticket-checking staff.

The special drive will focus on discouraging ticketless travel. It also aims to protect railway revenue and give genuine passengers an easier journey during the Diwali rush.