Indian Railways has intensified action against people accused of unauthorised ticketing, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informing the Lok Sabha that 13,580 touts and 65 railway employees were arrested between 2023 and June 2026.

The figures were disclosed in a written reply to Independent MP Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai, who had asked the government about action against railway staff allegedly involved in the unauthorised sale of Tatkal tickets.

65 Railway Staff Arrested

Vaishnaw said legal proceedings are initiated against offenders, including railway employees, under Section 143 of the Railways Act, 1989.

Between 2023 and 2025 and up to June 2026, 65 railway employees were arrested across Indian Railways. Nine of these arrests were recorded under Western Railway.

The data shows that enforcement action has also extended to railway personnel suspected of involvement in unauthorised reservation activities.

Thousands of Touts Arrested

Railway authorities arrested 13,580 touts during the same period for offences connected with the reservation system.

Touts are often accused of obtaining tickets through unauthorised methods and selling them to passengers at higher prices, particularly during periods of heavy demand for Tatkal reservations.

The large number of arrests reflects the scale of the railway administration's efforts to tackle illegal ticketing practices.

MP Raises Concerns Over Tatkal Bookings

Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai had raised concerns about an alleged connection between railway employees and touts involved in the unauthorised sale of Tatkal tickets.

He also referred to complaints involving touts in the Western Railway zone and sought details about action taken against railway employees.

The Railway Ministry confirmed that both railway staff and private individuals had faced arrests and legal action.

RPF Conducts Special Enforcement Drives

The Railway Protection Force conducts regular inspections and special drives to identify unauthorised ticketing activities.

These operations are designed to detect illegal reservation practices and prevent touts from exploiting the railway booking system for financial gain.

Railway authorities continue to monitor reservation-related activities as part of efforts to make ticket booking more transparent and accessible to passengers.

Western Railway Passenger Facilities Discussed

Questions raised in the Lok Sabha also covered passenger facilities at Western Railway stations.

The discussion included concerns about lifts, escalators and foot overbridges that were allegedly shown as operational despite being unavailable for extended periods.

Vaishnaw said Western Railway has 191 escalators across 46 stations and 240 lifts across 86 stations.

No Facility Permanently Closed

The Railway Minister clarified that no lift, escalator or foot overbridge is permanently closed at any Western Railway station.

He said some facilities may be temporarily closed for maintenance, repairs or other operational reasons.

During such periods, alternative arrangements are kept available to help passengers move between platforms.

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Foot Overbridges Planned According to Passenger Footfall

Vaishnaw also said the number of foot overbridges at railway stations is determined according to operational needs and passenger footfall.

Railway authorities assess passenger movement requirements while planning station infrastructure.

The government said these arrangements are intended to support uninterrupted passenger movement across platforms while maintenance and other operational work is carried out.