The Indian Railways is all set to implement the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 from July 1, which among other things enhances the penalty for travelling without a ticket, travelling without a valid ticket, and other offences under the Railways Act, 1989.

The amended provisions of the Act, published in the official gazette on April 8, will come into effect from July 1, through a separate notification by the Central Government, according to South Western Railway.

A key amendment relates to Sections 137 and 138 of the Railways Act dealing with travelling without a ticket, and travel beyond the authorised distance. Under the revised provisions, the minimum penalty has been increased from ₹250 to ₹500, along with the actual fare. The revision aims to discourage travelling without a ticket, improve compliance with railway rules, and protect railway revenue.

The existing provisions regarding maximum punishment for travelling without a ticket remain unchanged, including imprisonment up to six months, or a fine up to ₹1,000, or both, as decided by the competent court.

Under Section 138, the minimum excess charge, or penalty, for travelling without a proper ticket, or beyond the authorised distance, has been increased from ₹250 to ₹500.

The amendments clearly distinguish between penalty and fine. A penalty may be imposed by an authorised railway employee, while a fine may be imposed by the competent court. Court proceedings generally arise only when a passenger fails, or refuses, to pay the prescribed penalty.

Apart from Sections 137 and 138, the Act prescribes penalties for certain other offences, including ₹2,000 for unauthorised hawking (Section 144), imprisonment for 24 hours or fine of ₹1,000 for drunken nuisance (Section 145), ₹2,500 for a male passenger travelling in a compartment reserved for women (Section 162), and ₹2,000 for smoking in prohibited areas of railway premises or trains (Section 167).

The Railways has appealed to all passengers to travel with valid a ticket, follow railway rules, and cooperate with railway staff during inspections.