Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, June 20: Railway passengers across the country could soon face steeper fines, court proceedings and even imprisonment for violating rules, with the Centre set to introduce a stricter penalty regime under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026.
The move is aimed at making railway travel safer, more disciplined and passenger-friendly by decriminalising minor offences and enabling quicker enforcement through monetary penalties.
The amendments have already received Presidential assent, and the Railway Board has informed all zonal railways about the changes. The revised provisions under the Railways Act, 1989, are expected to come into force through a special notification, with railway officials indicating that the new rules are likely to take effect from July 1.
Under the revised framework, passengers found violating railway regulations on trains or station premises could face hefty penalties, legal action and, in certain cases, imprisonment.
Ticketless travel to cost more
Railways has proposed a major increase in penalties for ticketless travel. The minimum fine will be doubled from Rs 250 to Rs 500. In addition to the penalty, offenders will also be required to pay the applicable fare for the distance travelled.
Passengers who fail to pay the fine may find themselves facing court proceedings.
The crackdown also extends to those travelling using another person's ticket. Such violations will attract a minimum fine of Rs 500, while the ticket may be confiscated and additional charges recovered from the offender.
Begging and unauthorised hawking banned
Under the new provisions, begging inside trains and railway stations will be completely prohibited. Individuals found begging or selling goods without authorisation on railway premises will face a fine of Rs 2,000. Repeat offenders could face imprisonment of up to one year if caught violating the rule again.
Men in ladies' coaches to face Rs 2,500 fine
The Railways has also tightened rules aimed at improving women's safety during train journeys. Men travelling in coaches reserved exclusively for women will face a hefty fine of Rs 2,500. Railway staff will also be authorised to remove such passengers from the train immediately.
Passengers found entering restricted areas without permission will be liable to pay a fine of Rs 500.
Misconduct, abuse and drunken behaviour under scanner
The new rules also target unruly behaviour on trains and railway premises. Passengers found quarrelling, using abusive language, creating inconvenience for fellow travellers or disrupting railway services will face a fine of Rs 1,000.
Those found consuming alcohol or other intoxicating substances and creating disturbances may be immediately removed from trains and railway stations.
The harshest punishment has been reserved for passengers carrying prohibited or hazardous materials. Such offences will attract a minimum fine of Rs 10,000 and could also invite stringent legal action and court proceedings.
Fines to increase automatically every three years
The government has also built in a mechanism to periodically revise penalties. According to the provisions of the Jan Vishwas Act, penalty amounts will not remain static. Unless a separate revision method is specified, fines will automatically increase by 10% every three years.
With tougher penalties on the horizon, railway authorities have urged passengers to strictly follow rules and regulations while travelling. Officials warn that violations which once attracted relatively minor penalties could soon result in substantial fines, court appearances and even jail terms under the revamped enforcement system.