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Ticketless travel remains a punishable offence under Indian Railways rules, carrying fines and even the possibility of imprisonment for offenders. Despite these penalties, many passengers are still caught travelling without valid tickets in reserved coaches. The long-standing debate over ticketless travel was recently reignited after a passenger shared his frustration about fellow travellers who request others to “shift a little” so they can travel without a reservation. Posted under the title “Why don’t people buy tickets for low distances or just travel in general?”, the Redditor questioned why many passengers avoid buying tickets for short distances and instead squeeze into reserved seats. What Did He Say? The man shared his repeated encounters with passengers who request to share the seat for a stop or take over reserved seats for short distances, often with what he called an “entitled attitude”. In his Reddit post, he wrote, “I am not saying that I would not have for an old guy, but the audacity to just ask to shift a little does not sit right with me at least. If you wanted to travel for a short distance, which you have said, there is a general coach for that.” “How do people get this much audacity to ask for this and then even make the face like you denied them a blood transfusion at their ending stage,” he added. Why don’t people buy tickets for low distance or just travel in general ? byu/notrishithakur inindianrailways “Fed Up Of Dealing With Such People” The post quickly gained traction, prompting a wave of responses from Indian Railways commuters who shared their own experiences and opinions. A user responded, “It is because ye India hai yaha sab chalta hai. This mentality is causing this damage.” “Bro people have literally sat over me while I was once asleep in 3rd AC side lower, stating that there is no space to stand in the corridor and alley,” another comment read. An individual stated, “For very short journeys, sometimes reserved tickets are not available, but they should not travel in any reserved coach.” “I travel every weekend, and I am fed up with dealing with such people. It happens in the mornings on my route. I only book an upper berth now, and that too, two months in advance,” added another. An account posted, “For very short journeys, sometimes reserved tickets are not available, but they shouldn’t travel in any reserved coach.” “There are people who adjust kindly when someone kindly asks. But then they should also be prepared to hear ‘No, sorry.’ It’s totally normal,” expressed another. Another user remarked, “I usually share space with them if it is possible, as most of their journeys are last-minute planning. I feel empathetic with them, as I too used to ask for some space.” ‘Such Behaviour Is More Prevalent In Bihar,” Said The Reddit User In the post, he also questioned why such behaviour appeared more prevalent in Bihar, adding that ticket checks often stop once trains enter the state. “All the staff checks stop after the train starts its inside Bihar. Why is that?” he asked, pointing to what he felt was a lack of system.
