One of the most notable amendments pertains to Sections 137 and 138 of the Railways Act, which address ticketless travel and journeys exceeding the distance permitted by a ticket. The minimum fine has been raised from ₹250 to ₹500, in addition to the fare due.
This initiative aims to reduce fare evasion, reinforce compliance with railway regulations, and protect railway revenue. The revisions do not change the current maximum penalty for travelling without a ticket, which allows courts to impose a jail sentence of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹1,000, or both, depending on the case details.
Indian Railways has also considerably increased penalties under Section 60(3) for unsafe travel behaviors, such as riding on train roofs or footboards. The maximum fine has escalated from ₹500 to a civil penalty of up to ₹2,000. Failure to pay may lead to the offender being brought before a court authorized to impose a fine of up to ₹2,000.
Additionally, Section 87(3), which deals with the unauthorized use of railway accommodations or facilities, has been updated. The previous cap of ₹150 has been replaced with a civil penalty of up to ₹2,000, with court involvement primarily for cases where the penalty is not paid.
Section 162 has been amended to enforce a ₹2,500 fine on individuals found travelling in coaches or berths reserved exclusively for women. Railway personnel are empowered to remove such offenders from the designated coach.
If the penalty remains unpaid, the issue may be escalated to a court, which can impose a fine of up to ₹5,000. The updated law also exempts transgender individuals from proceedings under this provision.
The newly introduced provisions establish a civil penalty system for numerous minor railway offences, replacing the previous criminal prosecution approach. Concurrently, the law increases the fines for these infractions, indicating that passengers will face higher costs for violating railway regulations.
