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Train Fines Skyrocket: Ticketless Travel To Cost Rs 500 Minimum
20 Jun
Summary
- Minimum fine for ticketless train travel to increase to Rs 500.
- Men in women's reserved coaches face a Rs 2,500 penalty.
- New act may implement higher fines for various railway offences.
New regulations are poised to significantly increase penalties for various offenses on Indian Railways, effective soon. The minimum fine for travelling without a ticket is proposed to double from Rs 250 to Rs 500 under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. This legislation, having received Presidential assent, could be implemented as early as July 1, 2026.
Further strict measures include a Rs 2,500 fine for men occupying seats or coaches reserved for women. Passengers caught using another person's ticket may face forfeiture of their ticket and a minimum liability of Rs 500. Unauthorized hawking and begging on railway premises will attract a Rs 2,000 penalty.
Carrying prohibited or dangerous goods on trains could now incur a minimum penalty of Rs 10,000. Disruptive behavior, abusive language, or intoxication on trains will also face penalties, with fines ranging from Rs 1,000. The government aims to replace some criminal prosecutions with monetary penalties to improve compliance and trust-based governance.
