Title - Steep jump in SCR revenue

VIJAYAWADA: After the special drive by railway officials at Vijayawada railway station against ticketless travelling last week, authorities witnessed a steep jump in the revenue from ticket sales.

According to SCR chief spokesperson Koganti Sambasiva Rao, chief commercial manager Gnaneswara Rao led the surprise raid last Friday. He said

the surprise raid to detect ticketless traveling helped in getting additional revenue of Rs 5 lakh in just one day. He said all possible escape routes at Vijayawada station were closed with the help of security personnel and inspections were carried out by special teams drawn from various wings of the commercial division.

Nearly 117 ticket checking staff, 20 RPF, 31 GRP personnel and teams from Scouts and Guides were present at the station during the check, said Sambasiva

Rao. He said 1,466 cases were booked against ticketless travelers. and officials collected Rs 5.08 lakh as penalty. The "fortress check" resulted in about 15% jump in journey ticket sales and 33% increase in platform ticket sales.

Deputy CCM R Venkateswara Rao and senior DCM NV Satyanarayana were also present during the raids, said Sambasiva Rao.