.NEW DELHI: The comptroller and auditor general (CAG) has found railways collected Rs 168 crore by irregular levy and collection of “superfast surcharge” from passengers between April 2022 and March 2023.The auditor’s latest report mentioned that the amount was collected from passengers of more than 190 trains that didn’t meet the criteria of superfast train. As per norm, railways levies “superfast surcharge” on journey by trains if the average speed of a train, in both up and down directions, is minimum 55 kmph. The average speed is calculated by dividing the end-to-end distance by the travel time.The CAG, in its report, said that when the matter was taken up with the railways in Aug 2024, the national transporter had accepted the contention and shared the steps being taken to address this. .“Further scrutiny of Integrated Coach Management System (ICMS) data revealed that 100 out of the 190 trains pointed out by audit are still operating (Mar 2026) with an average speed of less than 55 kmph. Despite this, the concerned zonal railways continue to levy a superfast surcharge on passengers travelling on these trains, indicating that the instructions issued (Nov 2025) by Ministry of Railways are yet to be implemented,” the CAG said.It has recommended railways to revise the train schedules and ensure that only those trains which meet the criteria of being superfast should be declared superfast and passengers charged accordingly.