The Northern Railway Vigilance Department has made commendable achievement towards maintaining transparency, avoiding malpractices, and strengthening financial integrity in the year 2024-2025 like previous years. With the help of advance technology and persistent investigation, the department was able to overcome growing challenges, maintain accountability, and safeguarded the Railway system against fraudulent activities.
Sh. Ashok Kumar Verma, General Manager, Northern Railway informed that through a proactive approach, over 550 preventive checks were conducted, resulting in the detection and rectification of different irregularities. These efforts played a crucial role in preventing revenue leakage amounting to approximately ₹4.46 crores, reinforcing to the department’s commitment to financial accountability and transparency. Vigilance Department efficiently handled 1012 complaints, including over 100 PIDPI complaints referred by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and a significant Lokpal complaint involving 27 cases and 30 accused officials. Each case was meticulously investigated, reflecting the department’s dedication responding efficiently to public concerns and internal grievances.
The department also identified systemic gaps, leading to 43 crucial recommendations for system improvement aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability. Noteworthy improvements were made in catering services, extensions of railway pass, licensing for porters, and the establishment of PRS counters at non-railhead locations, significantly improving service efficiency and transparency. Intensified checks on ticketing fraud led to the exposure of widespread malpractice, including collusion between contractual reservation staff and travel agents. Investigations at sensitive locations such as Pulwama and Kupwara dismantled a sophisticated counterfeit Tatkal ticket racket that exploited passengers through fake stationery and online networks.
The GM said that the department also made significant breakthroughs in curbing fraudulent trade practices. A major operation at New Delhi Railway Station led to the seizure of 1810 kg of misdeclared imported cigarettes worth ₹2.32 crores. Additionally, misdeclaration of goods at the Goods Shed Azza station resulted in penalties amounting to ₹7.33 lakh. Further financial irregularities were uncovered at the Fazilka booking office, where manipulation of the Treasury Remittance Note was detected. The swift intervention led to the recovery of approximately ₹42 lakhs, reinforcing accountability in financial transactions. Similarly, outstanding staff costs of ₹2.45 crores were successfully recovered showcasing a strong commitment to financial accountability and transparenc.
In another major operation, a decoy was successfully executed at Budgam DEMU Shed, and the SSE was caught while accepting a bribe of ₹29,000 from a scrap purchaser. Additionally, stringent quality checks ensured the rejection of substandard linen materials worth ₹2.85 crores, reinforcing the department’s commitment to service quality.
With unwavering dedication, the Northern Railway Vigilance Department continues to uphold transparency, financial accountability, and ethical governance, ensuring a corruption-free and efficient railway network.
