Indian Railways will implement stricter rules and higher penalties starting July 1, 2026. These changes come under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, which has received Presidential assent. The Railway Board has already instructed all zonal railways and the RPF to enforce these new provisions to improve safety and discipline.
🗞️: IRCTC Update: Indian Railways considers allowing travel in general coach with online waiting tickets।
What are the new fines for passengers
The most significant penalty is a ₹10,000 fine for passengers carrying prohibited or hazardous materials on trains. The government is also cracking down on ticketless travel and unauthorized entry. The minimum fine for traveling without a ticket will now be ₹500, which is double the previous amount of ₹250.
List of penalties for different violations
| Violation | Fine Amount |
|---|---|
| Prohibited/Hazardous Items | ₹10,000 |
| Unauthorized entry in Ladies’ Coach | ₹2,500 |
| Begging or Unauthorized Selling | ₹2,000 |
| Nuisance or Abusive Behavior | ₹1,000 |
| Ticketless Travel (Minimum) | ₹500 |
| Trespassing in restricted areas | ₹500 |
| Using someone else’s ticket | ₹500 |
How will these rules be enforced
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and checking teams will monitor these rules across all zones. For those caught begging or selling goods without permission, repeat offenders could face up to one year in prison. Additionally, the Jan Vishwas Act allows penalty amounts to increase automatically by 10% every three years. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned that charges may also apply for exceeding luggage limits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fine for traveling without a ticket after July 1, 2026?
The minimum fine for ticketless travel has been increased from ₹250 to ₹500. Failure to pay this may lead to court proceedings or imprisonment.
What happens if a man enters a ladies’ coach?
Men found in coaches reserved for women will be charged a heavy fine of ₹2,500 under the new regulations.