As part of Zero Tolerance Policy, East Coast Railway had launched special drives to intensify strict action against unauthorised vending in Trains & in Railway premises against those who are illegally engaged in selling goods and food items on the trains and at the platforms.
• After receiving good response from public and the media and strict vigil by East Coast Railway, the cases of unauthorised vending have reduced sharply. This happened due to support from passengers and public. As a result, action on unauthorised vending in trains has been reduced to 1451 from June to September, 2019 from its jurisdiction. During this period in previous year 2018, ECoR had arrested 4741 persons whereas in 2017, this figure was 5250.
• Due to the previous intensive Drives, the passengers are now feeling relieved from fear of spurious food, they are now getting cleanliness during train travel, littering in train compartment has been reduced, no noise problem of shouting, passengers are getting more space in trains, there is reduction of theft & snatching cases, cases of molestation, intimidation are prevented as many criminals in garb of unauthorised hawkers resort to such crimes.
• Earlier, the vendors were disturbing bonafide passengers in many ways such as harassing them, they were using inflammable items in trains, littering train compartments and making the surroundings unhygienic and threatening passengers and staff on duty. Repeated complaints were received from Pantry Car Staff that they were not allowed to sell Pantry Car food. Nuisance of Hawkers had a bad effect on passenger safety and passenger health.
• This drive is an aim to provide better service during train journey without hassles and to serve in a better way to look after passengers’ health, safety, security, comfort and cleanliness.
• Anticipating increased presence of hawkers on the train after the Puja vacation, East Coast Railway directed its officials including Commercial and RPF Teams to take strict action against the unauthorised hawkers. The Drive is being led by Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Shri Raja Ram.
• Generally, it is seen that the unauthorised hawkers start selling edibles, books and toys on the trains. The number of passengers depending on Indian Railways for their journeys is on the increase in winter season and this may prompt many hawkers to choose train as their vending place. Hence, Phase-III of this drive will be intensified from November, 2019.
• Lifting of valuables from passengers is sometimes reported in trains and this is a matter of concern for Railways. Most such offences are committed by people who move around in the guise of hawkers. Railway premises and trains see an increase of garbage due to illegal hawking of various items.
• The officials have also been advised to intensify action against Beggars and alms-seekers boarding the train and entering the railway station premise. The beggars are being removed from the railway station premises. ECoR has also urged passengers to provide their support for eradicating unauthorised hawkings and beggars from trains by discouraging the hawkers. Public cooperation in removing hawkers will provide a better environment in trains and Stations and give a pleasant journey experience.
• Railway Board has ordered an All India Drive against illegal Hawking and Vending on Trains. The entire machinery has been sensitised on the subject and full support of passengers is being requested.
• East Coast Railway appeals to general public and passengers to help Railways by reporting such types of incidents by using toll free security helpline number 182 which is functional Round the Clock to report such cases during train journey. This Helpline Number 182 is working wonders for Railway passengers and proving to be a great help as a friend of passengers during their journey.