Ticketless train travel may get costlier from July 1
Ticketless train travel penalty may double Live Events New rules for passengers using another person's ticket Higher fines proposed for hawking and begging in trains
Ticketless train travel penalty may double Live Events New rules for passengers using another person's ticket Higher fines proposed for hawking and begging in trains Railway nuisance, abusive behaviour and intoxication may attract penalties Men occupying women's reserved coaches may face Rs 2,500 fine Dangerous goods and trespassing rules tightened Why the government is increasing railway penalties as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Addas a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Train passengers travelling without a valid ticket could soon face a much steeper penalty. The Centre has proposed increasing the minimum fine for ticketless travel from Rs 250 to Rs 500 as part of broader changes introduced under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.According to TOI, the Railway Board has informed all zonal railways that the legislation has received Presidential assent. The amendments to the Railways Act, 1989, are expected to come into force through a separate notification and could be implemented as early as 1 July.One of the biggest changes affects passengers travelling without a valid railway ticket.As per TOI, the revised Section 137 states that passengers found travelling without a ticket, or using an already-used ticket, will have to pay the applicable fare along with excess charges.
The minimum penalty will increase from Rs 250 to Rs 500.Officials have also indicated that passengers who fail to pay the required charges could face legal proceedings before a competent court.The proposed amendments also tighten rules regarding the use of another person's railway ticket.According to TOI, passengers travelling on tickets issued in someone else's name may have their tickets forfeited. They will also be required to pay the fare along with excess charges, with a minimum liability of Rs 500.The move is aimed at preventing misuse of reserved tickets and ensuring greater compliance with railway regulations.The government has also proposed stricter action against unauthorised hawking and begging on railway premises.As reported by TOI, unauthorised hawkers and beggars could face a penalty of Rs 2,000. Repeat offenders may also face imprisonment of up to one year.The amendments specifically prohibit begging inside railway coaches and station premises.Passengers creating disturbances during their journey could also face higher penalties under the revised rules.According to TOI, anyone found using abusive or obscene language, interfering with railway amenities or causing inconvenience to fellow passengers may be fined Rs 1,000.Passengers found intoxicated and creating a disturbance can be removed from trains or stations and may face additional penalties under the law.The amendments introduce a significant penalty for men found occupying seats, berths or coaches reserved for women.TOI reported that offenders may face a fine of Rs 2,500.
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