Passengers traveling by train without valid tickets may soon have to pay higher fines than before. The Central Government has proposed several changes under the Public Trust (Amendment Provisions) Act, 2026. These include a proposal to increase the minimum fine for traveling without a ticket from Rs 250 to Rs 500.
According to ET, the Railway Board has informed all the zonal railways that this law has received the assent of the President. These amendments made in the Railway Act, 1989 will come into effect through a separate notification and may become effective from July 1.
Fine may double for traveling without ticket
According to the amended Section 137, passengers caught traveling without a ticket or traveling on an already used ticket will have to pay both the ticket fare and additional charges. The minimum fine may be increased from Rs 250 to Rs 500. If a passenger does not pay the prescribed fee, legal action can also be taken against him in a competent court.
Traveling in someone else’s name will be expensive
Under the new proposed rules, strict action will also be taken against those who use tickets issued in the name of another person. In such cases the ticket may be confiscated. Besides, the passenger will have to pay fare and additional charges, the minimum amount of which will be Rs 500. Railways believes that this will prevent misuse of reserved tickets.
Strict action against hawkers and beggars
It is also proposed to take strict action against those selling goods without permission or begging in railway premises and trains. A fine of up to Rs 2,000 can be imposed on such people. Those who repeatedly break the rules can be jailed for up to one year. Begging will be banned on trains and railway stations.
Action against indecent behavior and drunken ruckus
A fine of up to Rs 1,000 can be imposed for abusing, using obscene language, obstructing railway facilities or harassing other passengers during the journey. At the same time, passengers who create ruckus while intoxicated can be removed from the train or station and additional legal action can also be taken against them.
Rs 2,500 fine on men sitting in women’s coach
A fine of up to Rs 2,500 can be imposed on male passengers who occupy a seat, berth or coach reserved for women. Railway officials will also have the right to remove such passengers immediately.
Strict rules even on encroachment
A fine of at least Rs 10,000 can be imposed for carrying prohibited or dangerous goods in the train. Those making unauthorized entry (trespassing) in passenger areas will be fined Rs 500. Railway employees will also be given more powers to remove such people.
Why is the government increasing the fine?
The government says that the purpose of the Public Trust Act, 2026 is to impose financial penalties instead of criminal cases in minor crimes, so that the rules can be followed better. Under this, a provision has also been made to increase the fines by 10% every three years.
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