RPF Cracks Down: 6,600+ Cases, ₹33.5 Lakh in Fines Since June

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has registered over 6,600 cases and collected more than ₹33.5 lakh in penalties across India since June, according to official data released on Tuesday. The enforcement drive, conducted nationwide, targets a range of offenses including ticketless travel, unauthorized vending, and trespassing on railway property.

The figures underscore a significant escalation in the RPF's crackdown, with the force intensifying patrols and inspections at major stations and along key routes. Officials attribute the surge in cases to both stricter enforcement and improved reporting mechanisms. The penalties, totaling ₹33.5 lakh, represent a substantial revenue boost for the Indian Railways, which has been grappling with revenue losses from fare evasion and illegal activities on its network.

The RPF's actions are part of a broader strategy to enhance passenger safety and security, particularly following recent incidents of vandalism and trespassing. While the drive has been welcomed by railway authorities, some passenger rights groups have raised concerns about the proportionality of fines and the need for greater public awareness. The RPF is expected to continue its enforcement efforts, with plans to deploy additional personnel and technology to curb violations in the coming months.