Railway Rules Get Tougher: Higher Penalties for Unauthorised Travel, Reserved Coach Violations

Pune/Mumbai, 5th August 2026: Central Railway has notified passengers about revised provisions under the Railways Act, 1989, including higher penalties for unauthorised travel, unlawful entry into reserved coaches, occupation of accommodation reserved for specific passenger categories and entry into coaches reserved for women.

The revised provisions cover Sections 137, 138, 142, 155 and 162 of the Railways Act. Central Railway said the changes are aimed at stronger enforcement against irregular and unauthorised travel and violations involving reserved accommodation.

Unauthorised travel under Section 137

Under the revised provision communicated by Central Railway, passengers travelling fraudulently without a proper pass or ticket will be required to pay the fare along with an excess charge, with a minimum payable amount of ₹500.

If the person refuses to pay, the matter will be referred to court. In case of default, the court may impose imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹500, or both.

Higher penalty for entering reserved coaches

Section 155 deals with unauthorised entry into reserved compartments and resisting the entry of bona fide passengers.

Under the revised provisions:

– Unauthorised entry into a reserved compartment can attract a penalty of up to ₹2,000.
– Resisting the entry of a bona fide passenger can attract a penalty of up to ₹1,000.
– If the person refuses to pay, the case can be referred to court, which may impose a fine of up to ₹3,000, along with removal from the compartment.

The provision also covers unauthorised occupation of accommodation reserved for specific categories of passengers, including Divyangjan.

Entry into women-reserved coaches

Under Section 162, entering or occupying a carriage, compartment, berth or seat reserved for women can attract a penalty of up to ₹2,500, along with vacation of the seat or berth and forfeiture of the pass or ticket.

If the penalty is not paid, the person may be produced before a court, which may impose a fine of up to ₹5,000.

Central Railway’s notification also states that no proceedings will be initiated against a transgender person under this section.

Ticket transfer violations

The revised provision under Section 142 deals with the transfer and purchase of railway tickets from unauthorised persons.

The ticket can be forfeited and the person can be required to pay the fare along with an excess charge equal to the fare, subject to a minimum payment of ₹500.

If the amount is not paid, the matter can be taken to court, which may impose imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹2,000, or both.

Travelling beyond authorised distance

Under Section 138, passengers travelling beyond the authorised distance without the appropriate ticket or pass will be required to pay the fare difference along with an excess charge, with a minimum excess charge of ₹500 under the revised provision communicated by Central Railway.

If the amount is not paid, the passenger may be produced before a court. In cases where the amount payable cannot be recovered, the court may impose imprisonment ranging from 10 days to one month.

Central Railway’s appeal to passengers

Central Railway has advised passengers to travel with valid tickets and follow the rules governing reserved accommodation. Passengers have also been asked to avoid unauthorised entry into reserved coaches and other prohibited activities on railway premises.

The railway administration has urged passengers and staff to familiarise themselves with the revised provisions and comply with the applicable rules.