The Ministry of Railways has decided to increase the penalty for passengers traveling without a valid ticket. Starting from July 1, 2026, the minimum fine for ticketless travel will rise from ₹250 to ₹500. This move aims to discourage people from traveling without tickets and ensure better discipline on trains.
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What are the new penalty rules for passengers?
According to the order issued by Shivendra Shukla, Executive Director (Passenger Marketing) of the Railway Board, passengers caught without a ticket or with an incorrect ticket will now pay the full fare of the journey plus a minimum fine of ₹500. This is a significant jump from the previous fine of ₹250, which was set back in 2013.
What other penalties have been increased?
The railways have also tightened rules for other violations to maintain order and safety. The new penalties are as follows:
| Violation | Penalty/Action |
|---|---|
| Traveling on someone else’s ticket | Ticket forfeiture + minimum ₹500 fine |
| Unauthorized hawking or begging | Up to ₹2,000 fine or 3 months jail |
| Non-payment of hawking fine | Up to ₹5,000 fine or 1 year jail for repeat offenders |
| Intoxicated disturbance | Removal from train and legal action |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the new ticketless travel fine be implemented?
The new minimum fine of ₹500 for ticketless travel will come into effect from July 1, 2026.
What happens if someone travels on another person’s ticket?
Passengers using someone else’s ticket will have their ticket forfeited and will be charged a minimum additional fine of ₹500.