Vande Bharat TTE caught asking Rs 380 to arrange Rs 750 seat for passenger, Railways responds after viral video
The controversy arose when a clip shared on X captured the railway official allegedly negotiating with a passenger traveling to Varanasi to arrange a ticket. According to the video, the passenger informed TTE that he would be late and purchased a super-fast train ticket.
In response, TTE allegedly demanded Rs 380 to arrange a seat on the Vande Bharat Express. However, when the passenger asked for a receipt, the amount was reportedly increased to 750 rupees, almost double the previous figure.
The passenger allegedly offered Rs 500 during the conversation
During the interaction, the passenger allegedly offered Rs 500, but TTE reportedly refused and instead asked him to talk to the train attendant.
When the passenger approached the attendant, the attendant allegedly refused to make any agreement and directed him back to TTE. It was reported that at that moment, the automatic doors of the train closed and the passenger who recorded the video and two other people traveling with him were stranded at the station.
The railway official also reportedly told the passenger that this request was “not allowed”, but still offered to facilitate the journey at a lower fare rather than directing the passenger through normal booking channels.
Railway rules allow fines, not unofficial payments
According to railway rules, TTE may issue tickets and impose penalties on passengers traveling without a valid ticket. However, requesting money without providing a receipt is considered against the law.
After the video was posted online, the incident triggered widespread debate on social media, with many users questioning whether such practices now reach premium trains like the Vande Bharat Express.
Reactions are pouring in from social media
Reacting to the viral clip, one user sarcastically wrote: “TTE and Traffic Police have similar structure… Both want to recover your hard earned money. Otherwise, the government wants to impose heavy fines or penalties for breaking the rules.”
Another user said, “Government is not serious. Ticket Controller is the most corrupt lobby in Indian Railways.”
A third user wrote: “For the 2nd time, no TT will give empty seats to any passenger. Yes, it is wrong for TT to allocate seats by demanding money for its own benefit. This is the property of the state.”
Another reaction was: “Brother, it’s not fair to buy tickets and make a video, man.”
One user also joked: “TTE – Train Ticket Changer.”
