Indian Railways has overhauled its penalty structure to improve passenger safety, hygiene, and overall travel discipline across its network. Under the newly implemented Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, the national transporter has replaced several criminal proceedings with immediate financial penalties. These changes, which officially took effect on July 1, 2026, empower the Railway Protection Force (RPF)—specifically officers of the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector and above—to collect spot fines for various offenses, a process that commenced on June 20, 2026.
Key changes to the penalty structure include:
- Ticketless travel: Minimum fine doubled from ₹250 to ₹500 plus the fare.
- Unauthorized coach entry: ₹2,500 fine for men in women’s coaches, increasing to ₹5,000 via court.
- Smoking: ₹2,000 fine on premises, with potential court fines up to ₹5,000.
- Dangerous goods: Minimum court-mandated fine of ₹10,000 and possible imprisonment.
- Public nuisance: ₹2,000 fine for first-time offenders of begging or nuisance.
Revised Fines and Operational Changes
To ensure a smoother travel experience, the misuse of railway facilities has seen a sharp increase in penalties, jumping from ₹150 to ₹2,000. Those found indulging in unsafe practices, such as traveling on rooftops, footboards, or engines, now face a civil penalty of up to ₹2,000. Additionally, passengers causing disturbances due to intoxication or using obscene language may face up to 24 hours of imprisonment, a ₹1,000 fine, or both.
Digital Ticket Verification Standards
In addition to the revised fine structure, Indian Railways has introduced stricter protocols for digital ticket verification effective July 9, 2026. Passengers traveling with digitally booked unreserved tickets are now strictly required to display their tickets on the original mobile device used for booking. The use of saved screenshots, images, or forwarded copies is now discouraged, and passengers are advised to carry their booking device to avoid unnecessary complications during ticket inspection.
These measures reflect the Ministry of Railways’ commitment to maintaining order and ensuring that railway premises remain safe and comfortable for all bona fide travelers. Passengers are urged to familiarize themselves with these updated regulations to avoid hefty fines and legal action.