Indian Railways has rolled out a revised and much stricter penalty structure with fines ranging from ₹500 to ₹10,000 to improve passenger safety, maintain cleanliness, and ensure discipline across all railway zones. These comprehensive rules apply to suburban, mail, express, and passenger services alike. Below are the key highlights of the updated penalty framework:
- The minimum penalty for ticketless or irregular travel is now ₹500.
- Men traveling in ladies-reserved coaches face a spot fine of ₹2,500, which can increase to ₹5,000 in court.
- Carrying prohibited, inflammable, or explosive items carries a heavy minimum fine of ₹10,000.
- Littering or failing to maintain cleanliness now attracts a fine of ₹1,000, rising to ₹2,000 if referred to court.
This regulatory shift follows the
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, which came into effect on
June 19, 2026, amending Sections 137 and 138 of the Railways Act, 1989. Following this, the revised minimum penalty for irregular travel officially took effect on
July 1, 2026. Additionally, the Ministry of Railways issued a Gazette notification on
August 24, 2026, raising the maximum penalty for cleanliness-related violations.
Passengers need to be fully aware of the updated financial penalties to avoid heavy fines or legal trouble during their train journeys. Entering railway premises without permission or traveling on someone else's ticket now incurs a fine of
₹500. Activities such as smoking, unauthorized hawking, begging, or creating a public nuisance carry a strict fine of
₹2,000, alongside potential one-year imprisonment for repeat offenders.
Severe safety breaches, such as carrying prohibited, inflammable, or explosive items under Sections 67, 154, 164, and 165 of the Railways Act, 1989, attract a minimum fine of
₹10,000. Meanwhile, obstructing railway employees on duty can lead to a fine of
₹2,500 or up to three months in prison. Public disturbance or using obscene language while intoxicated can result in a
₹1,000 fine or up to 24 hours in jail. Furthermore, unauthorized use of railway facilities or dangerous stunts like traveling on locomotive engines, carriage roofs, or footboards attracts a civil penalty of up to
₹2,000. Ticket Examiners and
Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel are fully authorized to enforce these guidelines strictly. Railway Board officials have confirmed that these measures are being implemented uniformly to guarantee a safe, comfortable, and disciplined travel experience for all passengers.
