Balasore, 16/9 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Kharagpur Division has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized hawkers and vendors to ensure passenger safety, cleanliness, and fairness in railway premises. The drives are being carried out under Section 144(1) of the Railways Act, 1989, which prohibits hawking without authorization in railway stations and coaches.
Sustained action over the last three years has yielded significant results. In 2023, 1,451 unauthorized hawkers and vendors were arrested and fines of ₹9,40,200 were realized. In 2024, arrests rose to 2,574, with fines of ₹11,88,500. In 2025, up to August, 1,945 arrests have already been made, bringing in ₹9,70,545 in fines.
Railway officials said the drives have had a visible impact on passenger experience. The removal of unauthorized hawkers has reduced congestion on platforms, foot overbridges, and inside coaches, ensuring smoother and safer movement. It has also improved sanitation, as most unauthorized vendors operated without hygiene standards, often leading to littering.
The move has also safeguarded the interests of licensed catering units, who follow prescribed norms and pay fees, thereby protecting railway revenue from unfair competition. Strict enforcement has further helped curb petty crimes and anti-social activities linked with unauthorized vending.
Officials stressed that these measures are not only about law enforcement but about creating a secure, clean, and fair environment for passengers. Indian Railways has assured that such drives will continue with sustained vigilance to maintain safety, fairness, and service quality across the Kharagpur Division.
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