New Delhi: A video of a TTE allegedly offering a Vande Bharat ticket worth Rs 700 for Rs 380 is going viral on social media. The Indian Railways has suspended
a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) after he was captured on camera reportedly offering a Vande Bharat Express ticket at a lowered rate to a passenger.
The video shared by the X user named ‘Ghar Ke Kalesh’ recorded a conversation inside a train coach between a TTE and the passenger. The video clip spread rapidly online, and many users were debating whether the ticket checker was trying to help a traveler or was engaging in wrongdoing.
Doors shut, passenger left behind
In the now viral video clip, the railway official can be heard speaking to a passenger about ticket arrangements. As per the recorded conversation, the official reportedly told him that what he was requesting was “not allowed”. He then came to explain that he can arrange the ticket for Rs 380, but when the passenger asked for receipt, the amount allegedly increased to Rs 750, close to double of the earlier figure.
During the conversation, the traveler reportedly offered Rs 500, but the railway official allegedly refused and asked him to talk to train attendant.
When the passenger talked to the attendant, he also reportedly refused and directed back to the ticket checker. At that time, train’s automatic doors allegedly closed, leaving the traveler and two other people with him at the railway station.
As per railway rules, a TTE can only issue a ticket and impose fine on the passengers travelling without valid ticket. Nevertheless, asking money without a receipt is considered a violation of rules.
After the video went viral online, it started a widespread debate on social media, and many users questioning whether such practices had now reached flagship trains like the Vande Bharat Express.
Viral video triggers corruption debate
Reacting to the viral video, one user wrote ,”TTE and Traffic Police have similar nature … Both want to save your hard earned money. Otherwise Govt want to collect heavy fine or challan for breaking rules.”
Another user commented, “Government is not serious. Ticket Checker are the most corrupt lobby in Indian Railways.” A third user wrote, “This is why we need a digitalization of everything. Officers never fail to amuse us with their corruptive mind.”
Another user reacted, “Bro buying tickets and making videos too 😭 not fair, man.” One user also sarcastically wrote, “TTE – Train Ticket Exchanger”.
(Curated by Pushpak Gondane)
