1. Putting up gates at stations won't solve the ticketless traveller problem. In metro - entire track is on flyover or underground and the doors are present, so no chance of exiting without the use of metro stations. But railways is open space, just slowing down before the major station's outer is enough to de-board and walk away before train reaches the station. In slow passengers, just get down a stop ahead of major stations and walk away. Most major stations have some slum near them, jump out and walk into slum and escape. Fortress checking on moving train with the help of RPF is the only way. Giving a 'very steep' target to TTEs can easily produce desired results, else they will collect some fines and pocket the rest especially in UR coaches.
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Aren't most of our freedom fighters dead by now? 70 years since freedom, if one were 18 years old in 1947, then they would be in their late 80s..... it's their kith and kin who must be enjoying that quota. Free passes to physically challenged people - IR should follow other Govt. transport dept. like KSRTC. KSRTC one has to physically be present and after officials confirm only they get their free passes. It takes time, like entire January and standing in Queues, but then bogus certificate producers wont avail free passes.