Indian Railways has increased the minimum penalty for passengers travelling without a valid ticket, a move aimed at discouraging ticketless travel and ensuring smoother railway operations across the country.
The revised penalty came into effect on June 20, 2026, under the provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. With the amendment, the minimum fine under Sections 137 and 138 of the Railways Act, 1989, has been raised from Rs 250 to Rs 500.
In an official statement, the national transporter urged passengers to travel only with valid tickets and adhere to railway regulations to avoid penalties.
The decision follows continued efforts by Indian Railways to curb unauthorised travel. In May alone, the Central Railway zone reportedly recovered Rs 40.85 crore from nearly 4.96 lakh ticketless passengers during enforcement drives.
The Ministry of Railways notified the implementation of the amended provisions through a gazette notification issued on June 19, bringing the revised penalty structure into force from the date of publication.
What Happens if a Passenger Travels Without a Ticket?
Under the amended law, any person found travelling without a valid pass or ticket, or attempting to reuse a ticket that has already been used for a previous journey, will be liable to pay the applicable fare along with excess charges.
The excess charge will be equal to the prescribed due charges, subject to a minimum penalty of Rs 500 or such amount as may be notified by the Central Government.
Railway authorities are also empowered to recover unpaid dues through legal proceedings if a passenger refuses to pay the fare and penalty when demanded. In such cases, a court may order recovery of the amount and can impose imprisonment of up to six months, a fine, or both in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Railways officials said the stricter penalty framework is intended to improve compliance, reduce revenue losses and promote responsible travel across the network.
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