Indian Railways spent Rs 69 lakh to catch rats? Government fact checks

government on Monday flagged a report which claimed that Indian Railways has spent Rs 69.5 lakh to catch 168 rodents over a period of three years. Press Information Bureau's fact-checking handle called report misleing.

report claimed that between 2020 and 2022 Lucknow division of Norrn Railways spent Rs 69.5 lakh to catch 168 rats, meaning Rs 41,000 per rodent.

Taking to X, PIB labeled article as misleing. It said that cost was for pest control of cockroaches, rodents, bed bugs, mosquitoes, etc. in all coaches maintained at Lucknow Division.

government said that cost was for pest control in an average of 25,000 coaches per year, i.e., around Rs 94 per coach per year, or less than Rs 8 per coach per month.

Earlier, Congress leer Randeep Singh Surjewala h attacked Central government citing 'misleing' report. 

"Railways spent ₹ Rs 41,000 and 6 days in catching a rat! By spending a total of Rs 69 lakh 40 thousand, 156 rats were caught in 3 years! This is condition of Lucknow region alone. All over country, 'rats of corruption' are picking people's pockets every day. country is alrey watching 'open plunder' of "Bag Billo"! Result: Under BJP rule, people are hit by rampant inflation every day. Even concession given to elderly in rail fares has been eaten away! Still, he says - 'Neir will I eat nor will I let you eat ..' !" he said.