Indian Railways has introduced strict changes to the Railway Act 1989 under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment Provisions) Act 2026. These new rules became effective from June 20, 2026, to maintain discipline and cleanliness. The Bhopal Division of West Central Railway has already started implementing these orders to curb common violations like ticketless travel and smoking.
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What are the new penalties for passenger violations
The Railway Board has replaced the word ‘Fine’ with ‘Penalty’ and warned that non-payment will lead to court cases. The new charges are designed to discourage passengers from breaking rules due to previously low fines. These rules apply to all trains, including the Patalkot Express (14623) which runs between Seoni and Firozpur Cant.
| Violation | Penalty Amount | Maximum Penalty/Action |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking in trains/premises | ₹2,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Unauthorized entry in Ladies Coach | ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 (via Court) |
| Ticketless/Irregular travel | ₹500 (Minimum) | Court Case |
| Traveling on another’s ticket | ₹500 or Fare amount | Ticket Confiscation |
| Spitting/Littering | ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 | – |
| Illegal hawking/Begging | ₹2,000 | – |
| Carrying dangerous goods | ₹10,000 (Minimum) | – |
Rules for misconduct and hazardous items
Passengers creating a nuisance or behaving rudely under the influence of alcohol will face a penalty of ₹1,000. Repeat offenders may be fined up to ₹5,000 or face up to 6 months in jail. Additionally, carrying prohibited or dangerous items now attracts a minimum penalty of ₹10,000. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Saurabh Kataria stated that these steps aim to increase awareness and ensure better discipline across railway premises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the penalty for entering a ladies coach without authorization?
A penalty of ₹2,500 will be charged for unauthorized entry into ladies’ coaches, berths, or waiting rooms. If not paid, the court may impose a fine up to ₹5,000.
What happens if a passenger refuses to pay the penalty?
The Railway Board has clarified that if a passenger refuses to pay the prescribed penalty, the matter will be taken directly to the competent court for legal action.