Indian Railways Doubles Minimum Fine for Ticketless Travel; New Rules Now in Effect

Passengers travelling without a valid ticket will now have to pay a minimum penalty of ₹500 as Indian Railways tightens enforcement to curb ticketless travel and protect railway revenue.

Travelling without a valid railway ticket has become significantly more expensive. Indian Railways has doubled the minimum penalty for ticketless travel from ₹250 to ₹500, with the revised rules coming into effect from June 20, 2026.

The changes follow amendments to Sections 137 and 138 of the Railways Act, 1989, introduced under the Public Trust (Amendment Provisions) Act, 2026. Railway officials say the move aims to discourage ticketless travel, improve compliance and strengthen revenue protection.

Passengers found travelling without a valid ticket or pass, travelling beyond the authorised distance or attempting to reuse a used ticket will now face stricter financial penalties.

Under the revised provisions, a passenger caught without a valid ticket must pay the applicable journey fare along with an additional penalty. The surcharge cannot be less than ₹500, replacing the earlier minimum of ₹250.

If ticket-checking staff cannot determine where a passenger boarded the train, the fare may be calculated from the train’s originating station, increasing the total amount payable.

According to Central Railway data, around 4.96 lakh ticketless passengers were caught in May 2026 alone, resulting in penalty collections of nearly ₹40.85 crore. Officials believe stricter penalties will act as a stronger deterrent against violations.

The new rules also provide for legal action if passengers refuse to pay the imposed fare and penalty. Failure to pay can lead to court proceedings and, in certain cases, imprisonment of up to six months, a fine or both.

The amendments extend beyond ticketless travel. Carrying dangerous goods on trains will now attract a minimum fine of ₹10,000, with imprisonment possible in serious cases.

A male passenger entering a women’s reserved compartment, seat or room without authorisation can now face a ₹2,500 penalty, while refusal to pay may result in court action and a higher fine.

Other violations such as unauthorised entry into restricted railway areas, drunken behaviour on trains or stations, encroachment on railway property and unauthorised hawking or selling goods also attract revised penalties under the amended rules.

Railway authorities have directed ticket examiners, Railway Protection Force personnel and other field staff to implement the revised provisions for all cases registered from June 20 onwards.

Officials have appealed to passengers to travel only with valid tickets and follow railway regulations to avoid financial penalties and legal consequences.

FAQs

1. From when are the new Railway penalty rules applicable?

The revised rules came into effect on June 20, 2026, after a notification issued by the Railway Ministry.

2. What is the new minimum fine for travelling without a ticket?

The minimum penalty has been increased from ₹250 to ₹500.

3. Does the passenger have to pay only the fine?

No. The passenger must pay the applicable journey fare along with the prescribed penalty and any other applicable charges.

4. Which Railway Act sections have been amended?

The changes have been made under Sections 137 and 138 of the Railways Act, 1989.

5. What happens if officials cannot determine where the passenger boarded?

The fare may be calculated from the train’s originating station, which can significantly increase the payable amount.

6. What if a passenger refuses to pay the penalty?

The matter can be taken to court, and in certain cases the law provides for imprisonment of up to six months, a fine or both.

7. Why has Indian Railways increased the penalty?

The move is intended to reduce ticketless travel, improve compliance, protect railway revenue and make ticket inspections more effective.

8. How many ticketless passengers were caught recently?

According to Central Railway data, around 4.96 lakh passengers were caught travelling without tickets in May 2026, resulting in penalties worth approximately ₹40.85 crore.

9. What is the penalty for carrying dangerous goods?

Passengers carrying prohibited or dangerous goods can face a minimum fine of ₹10,000, and serious violations may also attract imprisonment.

10. What is the penalty for entering a women’s reserved compartment without permission?

A male passenger entering a women’s reserved compartment or reserved space without authorisation can be fined ₹2,500.