1,548 commuters travelled in disabled coach illegally

Mumbai: Over 1,548 able-bodied railway commuters were caught travelling in the disabled coach of the local trains by the Government Railway Police (GRP) since March 12, when the railway started imposing a fine of Rs 1 lakh or imprisonment up to two years for the crime, said sources. The fine used to be Rs 500 before March 12.

Out of 1,548 caught people, 719 persons were charged under relevant sections of the Right of Persons with Disability (RPWD) Act, 2017. A police officer said that those caught under the RPWD Act have been given challans and asked to be present before the GRP on specific dates. If found guilty, they will have to cough up a fine of  Rs 1 lakh and/or imprisonment of up to two years.These cases were registered after the GRP and Railway Protection Force (RPF) started a joint drive to catch hold of miscreants who travel in the disabled coaches.

An official said the move to impose such a high fine is to aware people of the amount of money they will have lose if they are caught travelling in a disabled compartment.

Samadhan Pawar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (GRP) said, “According to the new law  persons who are caught travelling in coaches reserved for disabled people, will be produced in court, and if found guilty they will fined.’