Chennai: The Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has imposed a fine of ₹29,000 on Southern Railway following a complaint that confirmed train tickets had unexpectedly been converted into waiting list status. The North Chennai District Consumer Commission passed the order in response to a petition filed by Dilip Kumar Jain, a Chennai resident, who sought compensation for travel inconvenience and service shortcomings.

On June 23, 2024, Jain booked tickets for 9 people, including three children, for a journey from Jolarpettai to Chennai Central. Initially, the booking showed waiting list status, but on the morning of the journey, Jain received a mobile notification stating that four of the tickets had been confirmed.

Relying on this update, Jain proceeded with travel plans. However, upon final charting, another message indicated that all tickets remained on the waiting list. As the train had already arrived, the railway counter declined to cancel the tickets.

Left with no alternative, Jain opted to travel by car to Chennai, incurring expenses of ₹8,022. After his complaints to the railway authorities went unanswered, he filed a case against the General Manager of Southern Railway and the Divisional Railway Manager, Chennai. He initially sought compensation totalling ₹4.5 lakhs, including travel costs and damages.

Southern Railway denied any negligence, claiming the confusion was not its fault. However, the Consumer Commission rejected this defence, finding deficiencies in service and a failure to respond appropriately to the complaint.

The Commission sanctioned ₹29,000 to Jain, which includes ₹4,005 for the unused train tickets, travel expenses, compensation for mental distress, and court costs.