Indian Railways Doubles Penalties For Ticketless Passengers From June 20
New Delhi: The Indian Railways has increased the minimum penalty for passengers who are travelling without a valid ticket. The authorities increased the penalty from Rs 250 to Rs 500, effective from June 20, Saturday, under the provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.
The higher penalty applies under Sections 137 and 138 of the Railway Act, 1989, as per a public notice issued by Western Railway. The provisions cover cases of ticketless travel as well as travelling with a used, invalid, or improper ticket.
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“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 ticket and follow railway rules to avoid penalties. Your cooperation helps ensure a safe, smooth, and lawful journey for all,” the railway wrote in a social media post.
🚆🚨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
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Persons who are caught without valid ticket will have to pay the actual fare along with a penalty excess charge. The minimum excess charge has now been fixed at Rs 500 from 250. Failure to pay the penalty may result in legal action, and the offenders could face court proceedings and imprisonment of up to six months.
Notably, officials can charge the fare from the station where the train originally started its journey or from the last station where ticket checking took place if they could not determine where the passenger boarded the train.
