Indian Railways has introduced significant regulatory updates to bolster the safety and security of women passengers across its vast network. Effective from July 1, 2026, these revised rules, brought under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, shift the focus toward immediate financial accountability to ensure women can travel with dignity and confidence. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to deter harassment and ensure designated spaces remain reserved for female travelers at all times.
- Increased Penalty: Male passengers found in women-only coaches or berths now face a ₹2,500 fine.
- Strict Enforcement: Officials are empowered to remove offenders immediately, with potential court fines reaching ₹5,000 for non-payment.
- Exclusions: The amended Section 162 explicitly excludes transgender persons from these specific penalty provisions.
- Broad Application: These rules apply to all train categories, including express, mail, and premium services.
Strengthening Onboard Enforcement
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Ticket Checking Staff (TTEs) have received clear directives to conduct frequent, surprise checks, especially during night journeys and peak hours on long-distance trains. By shifting from lengthy criminal proceedings to on-the-spot administrative penalties, the Railways aims to ensure a faster and more effective deterrent against unauthorized entry into ladies’ coaches.
Infrastructure and Long-term Security Measures
Beyond punitive measures, the Ministry of Railways is committed to physical infrastructure upgrades. Plans are underway to increase the number of ladies’ coaches on high-demand routes and introduce additional women-only special trains during peak travel seasons. Furthermore, the ministry is prioritizing the installation of more CCTV cameras both inside coaches and at entry points to enhance real-time monitoring and evidence collection.
These new regulations work in tandem with the existing “Meri Saheli” initiative, which was launched on October 17, 2020. This program continues to provide dedicated, end-to-end security support for female passengers, ensuring they are looked after from the moment they board the train until they safely reach their destination. With these combined efforts, Indian Railways is taking a firm stance to create a safer, more secure environment for millions of women passengers traveling across the country every day.