Authorities Crack Down on Overcharging Vendors at Pune Railway Station

Pune, 19th March 2025: In a swift response to allegations of overcharging by vendors at Pune Railway Station, railway officials have imposed fines of Rs 50,000 each on three vendors. The action was prompted by a member of the Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), Dr Aditya, who secretly recorded evidence of vendors selling items at inflated prices. However, the railway administration has criticized the method used by Dr Aditya, stating that such covert filming and its dissemination on social media were inappropriate.

The railway management had previously set fixed prices for food and other items sold at the station, but many vendors were found to be charging customers more. Additionally, unauthorized private vendors were operating within the station premises, leading to complaints from passengers. Dr Aditya, posing as a customer, purchased items from some vendors and documented the overcharging, which he then shared on social media.

Pune Division’s Public Relations Officer Hemant Kumar Behra confirmed that while the evidence presented by Dr Aditya led to the fines, the manner in which it was obtained and shared was not acceptable. The matter has been reported to the railway board for further action.