(a) Whether attention of the Railways has been drawn towards the difficulties being faced by the
passengers due to operation of touts at the New Delhi, Delhi, Kanpur and Patna Railway Stations;
(b) if so, whether the Railways have carried out any surprise inspection in this regard; and
(c) if so, the number of culprits identified in such inspection and stringent measures adopted
to curb the activities of touts in future?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a): Yes, Madam.
(b): Yes, Madam. Surprise checks/drives are carried out at various stations from time to time including
at New Delhi, Delhi, Kanpur and Patna stations.
(c): During the year 2009-10, the number of touts apprehended at New Delhi, Delhi, Kanpur and Patna were
14, 25, 1 and 12 respectively. To curb the menace of touts, regular and surprise checks are conducted by
the Commercial and the Vigilance Departments at the reservation offices, major stations and in trains.The
surveillance is stepped up during the peak rush/festival periods. Touts so apprehended are taken up under
the provisions of law. Campaigns are also launched through media to educate the public to desist from
purchasing tickets from unauthorized persons. In addition, the facility of e-ticketing has been introduced
for easier booking of reserved tickets.