Traveling without a ticket, if you sit on the stairs of the train, it’s a hazard! Indian Railways increased the fine

Planning to go out, but the tickets have not been booked? There are people who think that if they have to cross a short road, there will be no problem even if they don’t get a ticket. If you can’t get a private seat, you can cross the road by sitting on the train floor, stairs, or in the engine. It may also happen that the ticket was issued in the name of a female member of the family. Now there is a male member traveling in that berth. Do you know, if caught, a large amount of money is going to fall this time!

Indian Railways (Indian Railways) has increased the amount of penalty significantly from this July. Fines are included as punishment for various other offenses related to train travel. All these amendments have been made in various sections of the Railway Act under the Public Trust Act, 2026.

• What if traveling without a valid ticket?

The applicable fare will be collected from the passenger, along with additional fines. The minimum amount of penalty is Rs.500 (or such amount as may be fixed by the Central Government). But where earlier it was considered a criminal offence, now in most cases it will be dealt with through a monetary penalty.

• What is the penalty for traveling while sitting on the roof, stairs or engine compartment of the train?

According to Section 60(3) of the Railway Act, traveling on the roof, stairs, engine or dangerous places of a train can attract a maximum civil penalty of Rs 2,000. If not, the concerned person may be taken to court. The court can impose a maximum fine of Rs 2,000.

• What is the penalty if men travel in coaches or berths reserved for women?

According to Section 162 of the Railway Act, if a male passenger enters a coach reserved for women or tries to usurp a berth, a fine of Rs 2,500 will be imposed. If necessary, the railway workers can remove him from that coach. Refusal to pay the fine may lead to a court case and the court may impose a maximum fine of Rs 5,000. However, it should be noted that action will not be taken against transgender persons under this section.

Also as per Section 87(3) of the Railway Act, the fine for misusing railway accommodation or other facilities has been increased to Rs 2,000 from Rs 150 earlier. If the fine is not paid then further action will be taken by the court.