Ticket checker offers Vande Bharat ticket worth Rs 700 for Rs 380, Railways reacts
A video showed a TTE allegedly offering a Vande Bharat ticket for Rs 380 during an onboard exchange with a passenger. The clip prompted a suspension and renewed debate over transparency, informal ticketing and accountability in the railways.
The Indian Railways has suspended a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) after he was caught on camera allegedly offering a Vande Bharat Express ticket at a discounted rate to a passenger.
His video, shared by the X account Ghar Ke Kalesh, captured what appeared to be a conversation between a passenger and the TTE inside a train coach. The video gained traction online, with many users debating whether the railway official was trying to help a passenger or engaging in misconduct.
In the clip, the TTE could be heard speaking to a passenger regarding ticket arrangements. As the passenger recorded the interaction, the official allegedly told him that what he was requesting was "not allowed".
He then appeared to explain that he could arrange the ticket for Rs 380, but if not done through him, the passenger would have to pay around Rs 700 for the same journey.
The passenger seemingly continued questioning the arrangement, while the TTE stood near the berth and attempted to explain the pricing difference. Though the full context of the conversation remains unclear, the implication in the viral clip suggested that the ticket was allegedly being offered outside the standard booking process.
Watch the video here:
Following the video’s circulation, official railway authorities responded publicly. Both Railway Seva and DRM Danapur addressed the matter in the comments section.
The incident also triggered mixed reactions on social media. While several users criticised the alleged conduct, arguing that such practices reinforced concerns about corruption and misuse of authority in public services, others sarcastically remarked that misconduct of this nature had become increasingly common.
At the same time, some social media users appeared amused by the situation, suggesting that the TTE had been trying to help the passenger secure a cheaper ticket rather than overcharging them.
The viral clip led to conversations around transparency in railway ticketing, on-board ticket issuance, and the role of vigilance in curbing unauthorised practices within the system.