Sonpur division’s ticket-checking drive nets Rs 32.74 lakh in a single day.
Patna, May 20, 2025: The Sonpur division of East Central Railway (ECR) has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing campaign against ticketless travel.
In a massive ticket-checking drive conducted on May 19, the division apprehended 4817 ticketless passengers, collecting a total penalty of Rs 32,74,565—marking its second-highest single-day performance to date.
According to an official spokesperson of Sonpur division, The latest operation follows the division’s record-breaking drive on April 29, 2025, when 5245 ticketless passengers were penalized, generating Rs 36,17,790 in fines.
Sonpur division conducted the drive under Operation Black Box:
These intensive efforts are part of “Operation Black Box,” a strategic initiative launched in February 2024 to boost vigilance, enhance revenue protection, and deter unauthorized travel.
Since then, the division has consistently delivered exceptional results.
In the current financial year (FY 2025), the Sonpur division has collected Rs 6.70 crore through ticket-checking operations and apprehended over 1.04 lakh ticketless passengers.
A top performer in ECR:
The performance of Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) in the Sonpur Division is currently the best across all ECR divisions, with each TTE contributing Rs 7,470 in daily revenue, and booking 11.6 cases per day.
This aggressive ticket-checking regime has led to an encouraging uptick in legitimate ticket sales.
The division recorded Rs 105.64 crore in total coaching earnings. Of this, Rs 32.51 crore came from the unreserved ticketing system. Unreserved ticket sales have grown 8.29% year-on-year, the highest growth rate among all ECR divisions.
A step toward lawful travel:
Railway officials credit the sustained success to coordinated efforts between ticket-checking staff, commercial teams and senior officers.
The focus remains clear to promote lawful travel, protect railway revenue, and improve passenger discipline.
With “Operation Black Box” continuing to evolve, Sonpur Division is setting a benchmark for operation efficiency and public accountability across the Indian Railway network.
EOM.