Indian Railways Hikes Penalties 'Rs 2K For Smoking, Hawking, Begging On Trains'

The Indian Railways has introduced stricter penalties for a range of offences on trains and railway premises under the provisions of the Jan Vishwas Act, which was recently amended in Parliament, effective June 19, 2026. 

Under the revised provisions, unauthorized begging in railway coaches, platforms, and station premises will attract a penalty of Rs.2,000. Repeat offenders may also face imprisonment as per applicable legal provisions.

The Railway Ministry has also substantially enhanced penalties for several other violations, and a fine of Rs 2,000 would also be levied on unauthorized hawking on trains or railway premises without authorization.



Passengers found smoking in coaches, compartments, or other prohibited railway areas will also face a Rs.2,000 fine. 

Travelling without a valid ticket will now attract a minimum penalty of Rs 500 in addition to the applicable fare.

Passengers using another person's ticket or pass will face a minimum fine of Rs 500 and confiscation of the ticket. Persons using abusive language, creating disturbances, or traveling in an intoxicated condition may face fines of up to Rs.1,000 and can be removed from the train. 

Men found traveling in compartments or berths reserved for women may be fined Rs.2,500 and are liable to immediate removal.