Indian Railways Update: New penalty rules for ticketless travel and coach violations effective from July 1
Indian Railways has increased fines for various violations to improve passenger safety and discipline. These changes were introduced under the Public Trust (Amendment) Act, 2026. The Ministry of Railways notified these rules via a gazette notification on June 19, 2026, and they became effective from July 1, 2026.
What are the new fines for passengers
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and railway administration will now collect higher penalties for common offenses. The rules aim to reduce ticket-related crimes and maintain order inside trains and stations.
| Violation | New Penalty | Legal Section |
|---|---|---|
| Ticketless Travel | ₹500 (Minimum) + Fare | Section 137 & 138 |
| Smoking in Trains/Premises | ₹2,000 | Section 167 |
| Begging or Public Nuisance | ₹2,000 | Section 144 |
| Men in Ladies Coach | ₹2,500 | Section 162 |
Important rules and legal actions
If a passenger traveling without a ticket refuses to pay the fine, they may face up to six months in prison or a ₹500 fine. For smoking violations, the authorities can seize the ticket or pass and remove the person from the train. If the fine is not paid, the court may impose a penalty up to ₹5,000.
Men entering ladies’ coaches will be removed immediately and fined ₹2,500. In case of non-payment, the court fine can go up to ₹5,000. Transgender persons are exempt from this specific rule. Repeat offenders who beg or cause nuisance in railway areas can face imprisonment for up to one year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
बिना टिकट यात्रा करने पर अब कितना जुर्माना लगेगा?
अब न्यूनतम जुर्माना ₹250 से बढ़ाकर ₹500 कर दिया गया है। इसके साथ यात्री को लागू किराया भी देना होगा।
क्या महिला कोच में पुरुष के प्रवेश पर कोई छूट है?
नहीं, पुरुष यात्रियों पर ₹2,500 का जुर्माना लगेगा और उन्हें ट्रेन से हटाया जाएगा। हालांकि, ट्रांसजेंडर व्यक्ति इस नियम से मुक्त हैं।