Indian Railways Doubles Ticketless Travel Fine to INR 500: What Passengers Need To Know
Indian Railways has increased the minimum penalty for ticketless travel from INR 250 to INR 500 under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, effective June 20. The revised rules also require offenders to pay applicable fares and excess charges. The move aims to curb unauthorised travel, improve passenger discipline and strengthen enforcement across the railway network.
Indian Railways has doubled the minimum penalty for travelling without a valid ticket, increasing it from INR 250 to INR 500 with effect from June 20, 2026. The revised penalty has been introduced under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, as part of efforts to curb unauthorised travel and improve compliance with railway rules across the country's vast rail network.
The move comes as railway authorities seek to address persistent challenges posed by ticketless travel, which continues to result in significant revenue losses. Officials believe stricter penalties will act as a deterrent and encourage passengers to adhere to railway regulations. Travelling Without Ticket? Here's What Happens Under Indian Railways' New Rule Effective June 20.
Travelling Without a Ticket Now Costs More
🚆🚨Passenger Advisory 🚆🚨
As per the provisions of the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, the minimum penalty under Sections 137 & 138 of the Railway Act, 1989 has been increased from ₹250 to ₹500 💰 with effect from 20 June 2026 📅.
🎫 Passengers are requested to travel with a valid… pic.twitter.com/dPBLHPXY83
— DRM - Mumbai Central, WR (@drmbct) June 20, 2026
Indian Railways Announces Revised Penalty
In a public notice, Railways said, "Passengers are hereby informed that, as per the provisions of the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, the minimum penalty under Sections 137 and 138 of the Railways Act, 1989 has been enhanced from INR 250 to INR 500."
Passengers have been advised to travel with valid tickets and comply with railway regulations to avoid penalties. The revised rules are now in force across the Indian Railways network. Mumbai Local Trains to Run Full Weekday Schedule on Sunday to Facilitate Travel for NEET-UG 2026 Re-Exam Students.
What Changes for Passengers?
The enhanced fine applies to passengers travelling without a valid ticket or pass. Section 137 of the Railways Act covers fraudulent travel, including entering or remaining on a train without a proper ticket, travelling with an already-used ticket or pass, or violating railway travel rules.
In addition to the INR 500 minimum penalty, offenders will be required to pay the applicable fare and excess charges.
If the boarding station cannot be determined, the fare may be calculated from the train's originating station or from the last ticket-checking point, potentially increasing the amount payable by passengers found travelling without valid documentation. Railways has also advised passengers to ensure they board the correct train, travel in the appropriate class and occupy the correct coach.
Why Has the Fine Been Increased?
Railway authorities say the decision is aimed at reducing unauthorised travel and improving passenger discipline.
The scale of the issue remains significant. In May alone, the Central Railway zone collected INR 40.85 crore in penalties from 4.96 lakh ticketless passengers, highlighting the extent of ticketless travel across the network. Officials believe the revised penalty structure will strengthen enforcement efforts and encourage greater compliance with ticketing rules.
The stricter provisions extend beyond ticketless travel. Passengers found travelling on another person's ticket may face ticket forfeiture along with fare recovery, excess charges and a INR 500 penalty.
Railways has also strengthened penalties for other offences on trains and railway premises. Unauthorised hawking and begging could attract fines of up to INR 2,000, while repeat offenders may face imprisonment of up to one year.
Passengers creating a nuisance or using abusive language may be fined INR 1,000. Those carrying prohibited or dangerous goods could face penalties starting at INR 10,000, while intoxicated passengers may be removed from trains in accordance with railway regulations.
Indian Railways says the revised penalties are intended to promote safer, smoother and more accountable travel for passengers. With the new rules now in effect, authorities are expected to increase enforcement efforts and continue campaigns encouraging passengers to travel with valid tickets and follow railway guidelines.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2026 04:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
