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Indian Railways has implemented a significant change to the penalty for ticketless travel, effective June 20, 2026. Under the new provisions, any passenger found without a valid ticket will be required to pay an additional charge over and above the actual fare. This change has been introduced under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. Railway officials believe this decision will encourage compliance with regulations and reduce instances of ticketless travel.

**Minimum penalty of ₹500 now applicable**
Previously, the minimum additional charge for being caught without a ticket was ₹250, but this has now been raised to ₹500. This rule applies not only to those traveling completely without a ticket but also to passengers traveling with incorrect, previously used, or invalid tickets. In other words, if a passenger's ticket is found to be non-compliant with the rules, they may also be categorized under this provision. In such cases, the additional charge will be collected alongside the fare.

**Action to be taken under Railway Act sections**
According to the Railways, this action will be taken under Sections 137 and 138 of the Railways Act, 1989. The objective of these sections is to take strict action against individuals who deliberately avoid purchasing tickets or attempt to evade fares by traveling improperly. If a ticket check reveals a violation of the rules, legal proceedings may also be initiated against the passenger. The Railways have urged passengers to obtain a valid ticket before commencing their journey.

**Failure to pay the fine could lead to imprisonment**
The Railways have clarified that if a passenger fails to pay the fine and outstanding fare, the matter could escalate to court. Legal action may be pursued in such cases, and a conviction could result in imprisonment for up to six months. Railway officials state that while this provision has existed for a long time, its strict enforcement will now be ensured; therefore, it has become more important than ever for passengers to adhere to the rules. 

Railways Reaping Significant Revenue from Ticketless Travelers
Railway data indicates that a large number of cases of ticketless travel are still being reported. During ticket-checking drives in the month of May alone, lakhs of passengers were caught traveling without a valid ticket. The Railways collected crores of rupees from these passengers in the form of fares and penalties. This clearly shows that ticketless travel remains a major challenge for the Railways. However, a reduction in such cases is expected following the introduction of new penalties.

What is the most important advice for passengers?
The Railways advises passengers to always carry a valid ticket for a safe and hassle-free journey. Purchasing tickets has become easier than ever thanks to facilities like online booking, mobile apps, and railway counters. Consequently, flouting the rules to save a small amount of money could prove costly. With the implementation of new regulations, those traveling without a ticket will not only face higher penalties but may also face legal action. Therefore, it is essential to ensure you have a ticket before starting your journey to ensure a comfortable and compliant trip.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.