Indian Railways has updated its penalty rules after 13 years to discourage ticketless travel and improve discipline. These changes come under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, and have been implemented from July 1, 2026. The Ministry of Railways issued a formal gazette notification on June 19, 2026, to enforce these new rates across all zones.
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What are the new fines for ticketless travel and misconduct
The minimum penalty for traveling without a valid ticket has increased from ₹250 to ₹500, and passengers must also pay the actual fare. While most ticketless offenses are now treated as recovery-and-penalty procedures rather than criminal charges, refusing to pay the fine can still lead to six months of imprisonment or a court fine. Other penalties for misconduct have also been revised to ensure better passenger safety and revenue protection.
List of updated penalties for railway offenses
| Offense | Penalty Amount |
|---|---|
| Entering Women’s Reserved Coaches (Men) | ₹2,500 (Court fine up to ₹5,000) |
| Smoking in trains or stations | ₹2,000 |
| Traveling on roofs, steps, or engine | Up to ₹2,000 |
| Unauthorized hawking or begging | Up to ₹2,000 |
| Creating nuisance or abusive language | ₹1,000 |
| Drunken nuisance at station/train | ₹1,000, jail, or community service |
| Carrying prohibited or dangerous goods | Minimum ₹10,000 |
| Vehicle rule violations at stations | ₹500 |
Why did Indian Railways increase these fines
Railway officials stated that these revisions aim to stop people from traveling without tickets and protect the revenue of the department. The Railway Board has instructed all zonal railways to strictly enforce this new structure to improve the effectiveness of ticket-checking operations. These steps are intended to create a more disciplined environment for all passengers traveling across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the new fine for traveling without a ticket?
The minimum penalty has been increased from ₹250 to ₹500, and the passenger must also pay the actual fare for the journey.
What happens if a man enters a women’s reserved coach?
Men found in coaches or berths reserved for women will face a penalty of ₹2,500. If they refuse to pay, court fines can go up to ₹5,000.