The Central Government has introduced significant changes to the Railway Act 1989 under the Jan Vishwas Act 2023. These amendments, which became effective on April 8, 2026, shift the focus from imprisonment to monetary penalties for minor offenses. This move aims to reduce the burden on courts and the railway administration by settling small crimes on the spot.
What are the new penalties for common offenses?
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) now has additional powers to collect fines directly from passengers. If a person refuses to pay the penalty on the spot, the RPF will then send the case to the court. The specific fines for various violations are listed below:
| Offense | Penalty/Action |
|---|---|
| Travelling without ticket (Section 137) | ₹500 or government fixed rate + extra fare |
| Begging (Section 144) | Up to ₹2,000 (Repeat offense: ₹5,000 and 1 year jail) |
| Smoking (Section 167) | ₹2,000 penalty and ticket seizure |
| Unauthorized entry in passenger area (Section 147) | Up to ₹500 |
| Boarding or alighting moving trains (Section 156) | Up to ₹2,000 |
| Making reels on tracks or railway premises | ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 or 6 months jail |
| Unauthorized vending | ₹2,000 (Repeat offense: ₹5,000) |
| Pulling chain without valid reason (Section 141) | Up to ₹1,000 and/or 1 year jail |
| Carrying inflammable materials (Section 164) | Up to 3 years jail and/or ₹1,000 fine |
How will these rules affect daily passengers?
Passengers should be mindful of their behavior on platforms and inside trains to avoid spot fines. For instance, using mobile phones without earphones or talking loudly after 10 PM may lead to legal action and removal at the next station if the passenger does not comply with warnings. These changes mean that small mistakes will no longer lead to long court battles but will result in immediate financial penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I don’t pay the railway penalty on the spot?
If a passenger refuses to pay the penalty on the spot, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has the authority to send the case to the court for further legal proceedings.
What is the fine for boarding a moving train?
Under Section 156 of the Railway Act, boarding or alighting from a moving train is an offense and can attract a spot fine of up to ₹2,000.