Indian Railways Update: Heavy fines for smoking, begging and unauthorized vending effective from 2026
Indian Railways has introduced new rules to improve safety and discipline for passengers. Under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment Provisions) Act 2026, strict penalties and jail terms will now apply to smoking, begging, and selling goods without a license. These rules were notified by the Ministry of Railways on June 19, 2026.
What are the penalties for smoking and begging
Smoking in trains or railway premises is strictly prohibited. A fine of ₹2,000 will be charged on the spot. If the person does not pay, they will be taken to court where the fine can go up to ₹5,000. The passenger’s ticket may be seized and they can be removed from the train. Similarly, begging in railway areas now carries a ₹2,000 fine. Failure to pay can lead to 3 months in jail or a ₹5,000 fine.
What are the rules for unauthorized vending
Selling goods without a license in passenger areas is an offense under Section 144 of the Railways Act 1989. The initial fine is ₹2,000. If a person is caught for the fourth time or more, they can face up to one year in prison with a mandatory minimum of three months jail and a ₹5,000 fine. To stop this, the railway has introduced QR code-enabled ID cards for authorized vendors.
Detailed Penalty Chart
| Offense | On-the-spot Fine | Court Fine/Penalty | Maximum Jail Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking | ₹2,000 | ₹5,000 | As per court |
| Begging | ₹2,000 | ₹5,000 | 3 Months to 1 Year |
| Unauthorized Vending | ₹2,000 | ₹5,000 | 3 Months to 1 Year |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fine for smoking in a train?
The on-the-spot fine for smoking is ₹2,000. If not paid, the court can impose a penalty of up to ₹5,000 and the passenger can be removed from the train.
What happens if someone is caught begging or vending illegally multiple times?
For the fourth or subsequent violation, the person can be sentenced to up to one year in prison with a minimum of three months mandatory jail and a ₹5,000 fine.