Railway Track Crossing: New rules and fines for crossing tracks to change platforms
Many passengers often cross railway tracks to change platforms instead of using the foot overbridge. Indian Railways has made it clear that this act is a punishable offense under the Indian Railway Act. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been given authority to take strict action against those violating these safety rules.
ℹ: Railway Update: Strict penalties and jail terms for unauthorized vendors under Jan Vishwas Act।
What are the penalties for crossing railway tracks?
Crossing the railway track is a legal offense under Section 147 of the Railway Act. Depending on the violation, the penalties are divided as follows:
| Violation Type | Section | Penalty/Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Unnecessary roaming in station premises | Section 147-1 | Fine up to ₹500 |
| Walking on railway tracks | Section 147-2 | Fine up to ₹1,000 or 6 months jail or both |
Recent RPF actions and safety updates
The RPF is conducting awareness campaigns, such as the one held at Hazaribagh Road station on July 5, 2026, to educate passengers. New guidelines issued on July 3, 2026, state that RPF will conduct checking drives for track crossing and unauthorized activities like making reels in railway premises. In Raebareli, RPF DIG Syed Sarfaraz Ahmed announced that fines for minor offenses like begging or illegal vending will now be collected directly instead of filing an FIR.
Infrastructure plans to prevent track crossing
To reduce accidents and stop unauthorized track crossing, the government is improving station infrastructure. Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced a six-year target to build Road Under Bridges (RUB) at railway crossings nationwide. Additionally, the NCR Railway directed the installation of CCTV cameras at all Level Crossings (LC) on July 10, 2025, to enhance safety and monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fine for crossing railway tracks?
Under Section 147-2 of the Railway Act, crossing the tracks can lead to a fine of up to ₹1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Can RPF arrest people for crossing tracks?
Yes, RPF personnel have the full authority to immediately arrest any person crossing the tracks and present them before the court.