Indian Railways has launched a formal investigation into serious allegations of malpractice involving a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) who reportedly denied a confirmed berth to a passenger in favour of illicitly selling seats to those on the waiting list. The probe was initiated after a passenger, travelling on a Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) ticket, took to social media to report that despite the availability of berths, the official refused to allot one, allegedly choosing to accept bribes to accommodate unauthorized travellers instead.
- Official probe initiated after a passenger complaint regarding seat allocation malpractice.
- Moradabad and Firozpur Divisions have been alerted to take immediate action on the matter.
- Strict guidelines mandate that RAC ticket holders must receive priority for vacant berths.
- Passengers are encouraged to report irregularities via the Rail Madad helpline at 139.
Understanding Seat Allocation Protocols
According to current Indian Railways guidelines, TTEs are strictly mandated to manage seat allocation with transparency and efficiency. When a berth becomes vacant during a journey, the primary responsibility of the TTE is to ensure that RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) ticket holders are given priority. Only after these passengers are accommodated should the remaining berths be offered to those on the waiting list or other eligible travellers.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation regarding ethical conduct and passenger service standards within the rail network. By allegedly bypassing these rules for personal gain, the TTE in question has compromised the trust of passengers who rely on the fair distribution of seats. Railway authorities have confirmed that they are taking these allegations seriously, with the Moradabad and Firozpur divisions tasked with investigating the sequence of events.
How to Report Grievances
Indian Railways continues to emphasize the importance of accountability in seat management. Passengers who encounter similar issues or witness irregularities during their journeys are urged to speak up. The Rail Madad portal and the 139 helpline remain the official channels for registering complaints. Reporting such incidents is crucial for the department to maintain service quality and ensure that all passengers receive the berths they are rightfully entitled to under the current reservation system. Officials have reiterated that transparency in seat allocation is a top priority for the national transporter.