Railway Penalty for Ticketless Travel Doubles to Rs 500 from June 20

The Indian Railways has increased the minimum penalty for passengers travelling without a valid train ticket from Rs 250 to Rs 500, effective June 20, 2026. The move is aimed at curbing unauthorised, ticketless travel and ensuring smooth rail operations.

According to a statement from the national transporter, the revised penalty is in line with the provisions of the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, which amends Sections 137 and 138 of the Railway Act, 1989. The Ministry of Railways issued a gazette notification on June 19, bringing the changes into force from the date of publication.

Under the new rules, any person found travelling without a valid ticket or using a previously used ticket will be liable to pay the fare for the distance travelled, along with an excess charge of at least Rs 500. If the passenger fails or refuses to pay, the railway authorities may approach a competent court, which can order recovery and impose imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 500, or both.

The Railways has repeatedly urged passengers to purchase valid tickets before boarding. In May 2026, the Central Railway zone alone collected Rs 40.85 crore from 4.96 lakh ticketless travellers, highlighting the scale of the issue.

Passengers are advised to carry valid tickets and follow railway rules to avoid penalties. The revised charges apply from June 20, 2026.