The Karjat–Khopoli suburban rail route, covering just 10 kilometres with 38 trips daily, is packed throughout the day — yet only about 100 tickets are sold on this section each day. Despite a nominal Rs 5 fare, rampant fare evasion has led to significant revenue losses for Indian Railways.

The route passes through small stations like Palasdari, Kelavali, Dolavali, and Lavajee before ending at Khopoli. Yet, regular ticket checks are nearly absent, and most commuters board without buying tickets. A commuter travelling recently from Dombivli to Kelavali said, “Sometimes tickets are checked, but mostly only at Khopoli. Stations like Palasdari and Kelavali see no inspections.” One ticket counter staff member confirmed, “We hardly sell 100 tickets a day on this entire section.”

Passengers board a packed train at Kelavli station