A major change pertains to Sections 137 and 138 of the Railways Act, which address ticketless travel and journeys that exceed the distance authorized by a ticket. According to the updated rules, the minimum fine has increased from ₹250 to ₹500, alongside the applicable fare.
This initiative aims to reduce fare evasion, enhance compliance with railway regulations, and protect railway revenue. The amendments do not change the current upper limit on punishment for traveling without a ticket. Courts may still impose a sentence of up to six months in jail, a fine of up to ₹1,000, or both, depending on case specifics.
Indian Railways has significantly raised penalties under Section 60(3) for unsafe travel behaviours, such as riding on train roofs, footboards, or locomotive engines. The maximum fine has risen from ₹500 to a civil penalty of up to ₹2,000. Failing to pay could lead to the offender being brought before a court, which can impose a fine of up to ₹2,000.
Section 87(3), which pertains to the unauthorized use of railway accommodation or facilities, has also been updated. The previous ceiling of ₹150 has been replaced with a civil penalty of up to ₹2,000, with court action generally reserved for situations where the penalty remains unpaid.
Section 162 has been reinforced to apply a ₹2,500 penalty on men caught traveling in coaches or berths allocated solely for women. Railway personnel have the authority to remove violators from the reserved coach.
If the penalty is not settled, the issue may be escalated to a court, which can impose a fine of up to ₹5,000. The amended legislation also exempts transgender individuals from being subject to this provision.
The new regulations establish a civil penalty framework for several minor railway offences, replacing the previous approach of criminal prosecution. Concurrently, the law increases the fines for these violations, indicating that passengers should expect to pay more if they violate railway rules.
