Railways launch drive against liquor sale in trains by aboard  staff

Railways intensify checks against illegal liquor and gutkha sales on trains, ensuring strict action against violators.

The Railways have launched nationwide surprise checks to curb sale of liquor, gutkha and other prohibited items aboard trains. 

Amid reports that on board housekeeping staff, pantry/catering and vendors were involved in illegal provision or sale of liquor, gutkha among other prohibited items on running trains, the Railway Board has ordered an intensive drive to curb the malpractices, sources in the railways said. 

Instructions were given to senior officials to lead special teams in conducting surprise checks in trains across the network. 

Liquor bottles seized from train passengers, 15 arrested

“Such activities are strictly prohibited and constitute a serious violation of the terms and conditions of contracts operating over Indian Railways,” the Railway Board in an advisory sent to General Managers of all Zonal Railways said.

Officers drawn from the Railway Protection Force, Mechanical and Commercial departments of the railways launched the drive and checked pantry cars, linen maintenance staff and catering personnel to check illegal possession of liquor, gutkha cigarette etc., the sources said.