Indian Railways' to Implement New Rules for Passengers, Increase in Penalty, Effective from 1 July 2026

Train passengers travelling without a valid ticket in India will have to pay a much higher penalty from July 1, 2026. Under the new rules, the minimum fine for ticketless travel will rise from ₹250 to ₹500. Moreover, the passenger will also have to pay the normal fare for

the distance travelled. If the person does not pay the fine, the case may be taken to court. These changes are part of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, which has already received approval and will now be implemented by Indian Railways.

Indian Railways' New Rules for Passengers

The new rules do not apply only to people travelling without tickets. Passengers using someone else's ticket can also face a minimum fine of ₹500. In such cases, the ticket may be taken away, and extra charges can also be collected from the traveller. The aim is to stop the misuse of railway tickets and make ticket checking stricter across the network.

Increase in Penalties for Several Offences

Indian Railways is also increasing penalties for several other offences inside trains and on railway premises. Begging and unauthorised hawking in trains or stations will attract a ₹2,000 fine, and repeat offenders may face up to one year in jail. Men found travelling in women's reserved coaches can be fined ₹2,500 and may be removed from the coach immediately. Entering restricted railway areas without permission can lead to a ₹500 fine. Passengers involved in quarrels, abusive language, nuisance, or misbehaviour can be fined ₹1,000. Carrying dangerous or prohibited goods will invite the heaviest punishment, with a minimum fine of ₹10,000, apart from possible legal action.

10% Increase in Penalties Every Three Years

Another important feature of the new system is that fines will not remain fixed forever. The government has said that unless a separate revision is announced, these penalties will automatically increase by 10% every three years.