No valid train ticket? Well, think again before traveling ticketless because Indian Railways has increased the penalty for ticketless travel. Yes, you read that right! Indian Railways has increased the minimum penalty for ticketless travel to INR 500 with effect from June 20, 2026. This move is set to control unauthorized ticketless travel and also ensure smooth rail operations. Here’s everything you need to know about this new rule.
Ticketless Travel Penalty Is Increased By Indian Railways
Indian Railways has announced the hike in penalty under Sections 137 and 138 of the Railways Act, 1989, as per the provisions of the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026. The minimum penalty earlier was INR 250, and now it has been doubled to INR 500. In an official notice, the national transporter requested the passengers to follow railway rules and travel with a valid ticket to avoid penalties.
Railway authorities mentioned that the passengers caught without a valid ticket will have to pay the fare along with an excess charge. The minimum excess charge has currently been fixed to INR 500. The notice also mentioned that failure to comply with the rules and not paying the penalty will result in legal action. Violators may have to face court proceedings and imprisonment of up to six months.
Also Read: Indian Railways To Launch New Faster & Upgraded IRCTC Website By July 15
An Act To Deal With Passengers Deliberately Traveling Ticketless
Section 137 of the Railway Act deals with passengers who, on purpose, do not purchase tickets or misuse a ticket. The provisions cover cases of ticketless travel as well as travelling with improper, invalid, and used tickets. The passenger can also be penalised if they try to cheat by reusing an old ticket or travelling with an invalid ticket.
If the ticket collector fails to determine where the passenger boarded the train, he can penalize the passenger in two ways:
- They may charge the fare from the station where they originally departed or
- From the last station where the process of ticket checking began
Indian Railways has time and again repeatedly urged citizens to purchase valid tickets before travelling. The Central Railway zone had collected INR 40.85 crore in fares and penalties from passengers travelling without a valid ticket. During this month, the ticket-checking staff held 4.96 lakh ticketless travellers in May 2026.
Also Read: Indian Railways To Launch Upgraded Passenger Reservation System In August 2026
Also Read: Indian Railways Luggage Rules: Can You Carry Ghee In Trains?
Summing Up
Indian Railways has doubled the penalty for ticketless travelers. According to the new rules, the fine has been doubled from INR 250 to INR 500. The national transport has urged people to travel with a valid ticket to avoid penalties.
