305 vendors caught by Bhusawal rail personnel during special drive

Nashik: A 14-day special drive by Bhusawal railway authorities against unauthorised vendors has led to 305 offenders being caught across stations and trains, with 67 facing prosecution and penalties totalling Rs 97,950.

The crackdown, carried out between May 28 and June 10, covered key sections including Bhusawal-Khandwa, Bhusawal-Nashik and Bhusawal-Badnera, targeting illegal food sales and overcharging.

Divisional commercial manager Bhanudas Tapaswi said the drive was extensive. “Checks were conducted at stations and on running trains. Vendors selling food items were checked, and those doing any illegal business were handed over to the Railway Protection Force,” he said.

Drinking water tops the chart

Packaged drinking water violations emerged as the most common during the drive, with a majority of vendors caught selling unauthorised bottles or overcharging.

“During summer, demand for packaged drinking water, lassi and buttermilk is high. Vendors often sell water bottles at Rs , but only Rail Neer or 17 approved brands can be sold, and strictly at Rs 14,” Tapaswi said. He added that several authorised vendors were also penalised for overpricing.

Ask for bills

Railway authorities have advised passengers to insist on bills for every purchase to prevent overcharging and ensure accountability.

“Thermal printers are available with vendors, and passengers should always ask for a bill to ensure correct pricing. Vendors in trains must carry pre-printed bills as receipts,” Tapaswi said. “If no bill is issued, the food item is free,” he added.

Officials said vendors caught either overcharging or selling without issuing bills face a fine of Rs 5,000 per instance.

Vendors with ID cards

Passengers have been urged to buy only from authorised vendors carrying valid identity cards. “Vendors must have unique ID cards, which are checked regularly by ticket examiners and RPF personnel,” Tapaswi said.

Dial 139 or Rail Madad

Railways have also asked passengers to report irregularities immediately. “Passengers should buy only from licenced vendors and report any issues. Complaints can be registered on helpline 139 or through the Rail Madad portal for quick action,” Tapaswi said.

Officials said such drives will continue to curb illegal vending and ensure safe, fairly priced food for passengers.