From July 1, a Double Fine Will Have to Be Paid: Railways

Indian Railways is set to introduce major changes from July 1 to provide more convenient services to its passengers. Travelers who violate rules during rail journeys will now have to pay double the amount as the minimum penalty. The increased minimum fine is being implemented under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 and will come into effect from July 1, 2026, through a separate notification.

The government has also amended provisions of the Railways Act, 1989 under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. According to information released by PIB on behalf of the Ministry of Railways, under Section 137 of the Railways Act, from July 1, passengers traveling fraudulently without a valid ticket or pass will be charged a minimum fine of ₹500. At present, the minimum fine for this offense is ₹250.

In addition, under Section 138, from July 1, passengers found traveling without a valid ticket or pass, or traveling beyond the station for which they are authorized, will also be charged a minimum fine of ₹500. Currently, the minimum fine for this offense is ₹250.
(updated on 20th Jun 2026)