Northern Railway Vigilance Department Cracks Down on Corruption, Recovers Over ₹4.46 Crores

New Delhi, April 3, 2025 – The Northern Railway Vigilance Department has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, financial integrity, and corruption-free governance through proactive measures in 2024-2025. Under the leadership of Sh. Ashok Kumar Verma, General Manager, Northern Railway, the department conducted over 550 preventive checks, preventing revenue leakage amounting to approximately ₹4.46 crores.

Key Achievements of Northern Railway Vigilance Department:

Handling of Complaints:
1,012 complaints investigated, including 100+ PIDPI complaints referred by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
A significant Lokpal complaint involving 27 cases and 30 accused officials was meticulously examined.

Crackdown on Financial Irregularities:
A major operation at New Delhi Railway Station led to the seizure of 1,810 kg of misdeclared imported cigarettes worth ₹2.32 crores.
Misdeclaration of goods at Goods Shed Azza station resulted in ₹7.33 lakh in penalties.
Detection of financial manipulation at the Fazilka booking office led to the recovery of ₹42 lakh.
Outstanding staff costs of ₹2.45 crores successfully recovered.

Exposing Ticketing Frauds:
Investigations at Pulwama and Kupwara dismantled a fake Tatkal ticket racket exploiting passengers.
Preventive checks exposed collusion between contractual reservation staff and travel agents.

Bribery and Quality Checks:
A successful decoy operation at Budgam DEMU Shed led to the arrest of an SSE official accepting a ₹29,000 bribe.
₹2.85 crores worth of substandard linen rejected to ensure quality service.

Systemic Improvements:
43 crucial recommendations made to enhance catering services, railway pass extensions, porter licensing, and PRS counters at non-railhead locations.

With advanced technology, stringent vigilance, and proactive governance, Northern Railway remains committed to eradicating corruption and ensuring a transparent, efficient, and accountable railway network.