TTE Suspended for Vande Bharat Ticket Scam

A Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) with Indian Railways faces suspension following a viral video that reportedly captured him offering an unofficial discount for a Vande Bharat Express ticket. The incident came to light when a clip circulating on X showed the TTE negotiating a fare of Rs 380 for a seat, a price substantially lower than the official ticket cost, which is close to Rs 700.

Despite admitting that such an arrangement was not permitted, the TTE allegedly proceeded to offer the reduced fare to the passenger. This interaction, captured and shared widely, incited considerable backlash online. Railway authorities, including Railway Seva and the DRM Danapur division, responded to the public outcry.

Consequently, the TTE was immediately suspended to allow for a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct and lack of transparency in onboard ticket issuance. While some social media users condemned the act as corruption, others reminisced about older, more informal railway practices, with a few defending the TTE's actions as helpful.

Indian Railways maintains stringent regulations for ticket booking and fare collection. TTEs are authorized to issue onboard tickets only in specific circumstances, such as for waitlisted passengers or vacant seats, and any deviation from established procedures or fare structures constitutes a serious violation.