CCTVs at reservation centres to check tickets' black-marketing

To prevent black-marketing of tickets, Railways is installing CCTV cameras at all the major reservation centres across the country and has deputed Commercial Inspectors to monitor its footage, as suggested by the Central Vigilance Commission.

Acting on a complaint regarding tickets being sold by touts at certain reservation counters of Northern Railway, CVC has suggested "CCTV cameras must be installed and should be in a working condition all the time at the reservation centres on 24x7 basis."

Instructions have been issued to all zones to ensure compliance of CVC suggestions regarding CCTV cameras, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

Despite several measures by railways, the tout menace at ticket counters is a constant problem being faced by the national transporter.

Commercial Inspectors of Railways will be now deputed to monitor the footage of CCTVs during peak hours and also on daily basis, as per the latest directive of the state-run transporter.

"These Inspectors will submit their reports to a nominated senior officer and will bring any abnormality to the notice of the official for taking necessary action," said the senior Railways official.

The official said CCTV cameras are being installed at all major reservation counters and footage are regularly examined. "More CCTV will be installed where it has not been installed and directives will be complied fully."

CVC has also suggested CCTV footage should be regularly examined and used as "better preventive vigilance tool".

There are reports that even Tatkal tickets are also being cornered by touts and sold on premium.

In a latest step, railways have decided that 50 per cent of Tatkal quota in 80 popular trains would be sold on dynamic pricing. "This has been done to prevent fleecing by touts and facilitating genuine passengers to get confirmed tickets."