Smudged tickets trigger disputes between rail commuters, TCs

Mumbai suburban railway commuters with smudged paper tickets are increasingly disputing with ticket checkers (TCs) because printed details like origin, destination, fare, and time are often illegible due to poor printing and rain-related ink smudging.

The problem is severe for season ticket holders, as ink fades during rains even when tickets are kept in wallets or purses, causing 8-10 daily disputes on Western Railway (WR).

Paper tickets account for 70-75% of suburban ticket sales, while the rest are digital via the RailOne app or ATVMs; even slight moisture fades printed details, forcing TCs to question commuters or use handheld devices to verify.

Railway sources blame thin paper and poor-quality ink for fading, with the issue worsening in monsoon; if a season ticket's unique number is illegible, passengers must get it inspected at the station master's or booking office.

If a ticket is genuine, WR issues an excess fare ticket (EFT) that commuters must carry until the pass expires, and WR has begun replacing paper tickets with initiatives, though details are limited.