The Ministry of Railways has introduced stricter penalties for passengers who smoke on trains and railway premises. These changes were notified on June 19, 2026, under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, and came into effect from June 20, 2026. The move aims to improve passenger safety and maintain discipline across the network.
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What are the new penalties for smoking
Under Section 167 of the Railways Act, 1989, smoking in prohibited areas is strictly banned. The immediate on-the-spot fine has been increased from ₹100 to ₹2,000. If a passenger refuses to pay this fine, they will be produced before a court where the penalty can go up to ₹5,000. Additionally, railway staff can forfeit the passenger’s ticket or pass and remove them from the train.
What happens in case of repeat offenses
The law is much tougher for those who break the rules repeatedly. If a person is caught smoking for the fourth time or more, they may face imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to ₹5,000. In such cases, the minimum punishment is three months in jail and a ₹2,000 fine, unless the court provides specific reasons for a different decision.
Why did Indian Railways increase the fine
Officials stated that smoking and carrying inflammable materials pose a huge safety risk, especially in long-distance coaches where fire can be dangerous. The higher fines are meant to act as a deterrent and ensure a cleaner environment. To enforce this, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and TTEs have been told to increase inspections. The Ministry is also using station announcements and social media to inform the public about these rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the new fine for smoking on Indian Railways?
The immediate on-the-spot penalty for smoking in prohibited areas has been increased to ₹2,000. If not paid, it can reach ₹5,000 through a court conviction.
Can a passenger be jailed for smoking on a train?
Yes, for repeat offenses (fourth time onwards), a person can be imprisoned for up to one year with a minimum jail term of three months and a ₹2,000 fine.