Traveling by train should be safe and respectful for everyone. If a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) or any railway staff behaves rudely, unfairly, or crosses the line during your journey, you have the right to complain and seek action from indian Railways.

📍 1. First Response — Report Onboard

If a TTE misbehaves while the train is moving, do not confront aggressively — it can escalate the situation. Instead:

• Calmly note the details:
  • TTE’s name (if visible)
  • Coach and seat number
  • train number and date
  • Time and location (approximate)
• Try to speak to the senior TTE or guard on board and explain your concern immediately.

📍 2. Call the Official Railway Helpline

Indian Railways provides toll‑free helplines for passenger issues, including misconduct by staff:

📞 139 — Main helpline for complaints and information like delayed trains, lost tickets, rude staff, etc.
📞 182 — Security / Railway Protection Force (RPF) assistance for harassment or threats while traveling.

When calling, give your PNR, coach number, and a brief description of the incident — this helps authorities respond faster.

📍 3. Use the rail Madad App / Portal

For complaints from the train or afterward, the most effective method is:

📱 Rail Madad App — Android / iOS mobile application
🌐 Rail Madad Website: railmadad.indianrailways.gov.in

Through rail Madad you can:

• Lodge an official complaint
• Attach photos or PNR details
• Get a tracking ID to monitor progress
• Railways forwards it to the relevant authorities on duty.

This system is specifically designed for real‑time gripe reporting, including staff misconduct.

📍 4. Lodge a Written Complaint After Your Journey

If your issue isn’t resolved right away, you can escalate it later:

✔ Write to the Station Master of your destination station
✔ Submit a written complaint to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) office
✔ Escalate online via government portals like CPGRAMS if needed
✔ Provide evidence (photos, messages, witnesses, PNR) whenever possible.

Make sure to keep all reference or complaint IDs for follow‑up.

📍 5. When to Involve police (RPF / GRP)

If the behavior goes beyond rudeness — such as threats, physical altercation, assault, or harassment — you can:

• Call 182 immediately for RPF/GRP assistance
• Request that an FIR be registered with Railway Police
• Ask the police to be notified through the helpline while still on board.

Quick reporting improves the chances of effective action.

🧠 6. Tips to Strengthen Your Complaint

When reporting, make sure you note:

📍 Train number and name
📍 PNR number and coach/berth details
📍 Exact date and time of the incident
📍 Names or badge numbers of the staff (if visible)
📍 Witness details (co‑passengers if any)
📍 Photos, screenshots, or audio recordings (keep them safe)

Detailed reports help rail authorities take faster corrective action — including discipline, warnings, suspension, or other appropriate measures against the erring staff.

🛡️ Know Your Passenger Rights

Indian Railways expects its staff to behave professionally and serve passengers without harassment. If a TTE is rude, wrongfully collects fines, refuses rightful seating, or tries to exploit passengers, you have the right to complain peacefully and through official channels.

Summary — Where You Can Complain

Complaint Channel

What It’s Best For

📞 139 Helpline

Immediate help, general and staff misconduct

📞 182 (Security)

Threats, harassment, safety issues

📱 Rail Madad App/Web

Official online complaint with tracking

📝 Station/DRM Written Complaint

After‑journey escalation

👮 RPF/GRP Police

Serious misconduct or crime

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.