The Person Next to You on a Train Could be An Undercover Railway Official – Here’s Why
Indian Railways has launched a unique undercover inspection program where officials are traveling incognito on trains nationwide to monitor cleanliness, safety, and passenger amenities. The surprise checks aim to improve service quality and boost traveler confidence by identifying issues in real-time.
Why This Initiative Matters
With millions relying on trains daily, Indian Railways is taking a hands-on approach to ensure better facilities. Officials in plain clothes will:
- Inspect toilets, charging points, lights, fans, and water supply
- Check coach cleanliness and linen quality
- Gather direct passenger feedback during journeys
- Ensure immediate corrective action if deficiencies are found
Prayagraj Division Leads the Way
The program began in the Prayagraj division, where 25 commercial inspectors conducted surprise checks on 50 trains, including popular routes like:
- Prayagraj-New Delhi Rajdhani (12417/12418)
- Prayagraj-Mumbai Superfast (12403/12404)
- Prayagraj-Lucknow Intercity (14113-14118 series)
Inspections revealed several operational gaps, prompting swift corrective measures. The successful pilot will now expand across all railway zones.
Beyond Train Checks: Tackling Ticketless Travel
Alongside facility inspections, the Railways is intensifying ticket verification drives:
- Surprise checks at major stations
- On-board ticket inspections by traveling ticket examiners (TTEs)
- Crackdown on unauthorized travelers in premium coaches
Passenger-Centric Reforms in Focus
Divisional Commercial Manager Himanshu Shukla emphasized that this initiative aligns with Indian Railways’ broader goals:
“We’re committed to providing clean toilets, drinking water, quality food, and comfortable journeys. Direct monitoring helps us address problems faster than complaint-based systems.”
Passengers can continue reporting issues via the Rail Madad app, but now with the added assurance that officials are physically verifying conditions.
