Indian Railways Imposes Higher Penalties Under Jan Vishwas Act 2026
Indian Railways has introduced significantly higher penalties for passengers violating ticketing and safety rules, effective from July 2026. The revised fines are part of amendments to Sections 137 and 138 of the Railways Act, 1989, enacted under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026. According to an official notification, the changes aim to deter rule-breaking and enhance revenue recovery.
Key Penalty Increases
Under the new rules, the fine for traveling without a valid ticket or with an improper ticket has been raised to Rs 1,000, up from the previous Rs 250. This applies to both suburban and non-suburban trains. For traveling beyond the destination mentioned on the ticket, passengers will now be fined Rs 500, compared to the earlier Rs 100.
Additionally, the penalty for unauthorized travel in reserved coaches has been increased to Rs 2,000 from Rs 500. Passengers found without a platform ticket while on the station premises beyond the permitted time will face a fine of Rs 500, up from Rs 50.
Other Violations and Fines
The amendments also cover offenses like damaging railway property, smoking in trains, and carrying dangerous goods. The fine for smoking has been raised to Rs 500 from Rs 100. For carrying inflammable or hazardous materials, the penalty is now Rs 5,000, up from Rs 1,000.
According to a senior railway official, “The revised penalties are intended to ensure compliance and improve safety. The previous fines had not been updated for years and were no longer a deterrent.” The official added that the revenue from fines will be used for passenger amenities.
Implementation and Enforcement
The new penalties will be enforced by railway ticket examiners and the Railway Protection Force. Passengers will be required to pay the fine on the spot or face prosecution. The railways have also launched an awareness campaign through announcements and posters at stations.
Passengers have expressed mixed reactions. Some commuters welcomed the move, saying it would curb ticketless travel, while others called the fines excessive. “The fine for platform tickets has increased tenfold, which seems harsh for occasional visitors,” said a passenger in New Delhi.
Background of the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026
The Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, was passed by Parliament to decriminalize minor offenses and rationalize penalties across various laws. The amendments to the Railways Act are part of this broader reform. The government has stated that the revised fines are in line with inflation and aim to promote voluntary compliance.
