Ananya Lohia , New Delhi - Indian Railways has doubled the minimum penalty for travelling without a valid ticket, increasing it from ₹250 to ₹500. The new rule came into effect on June 20, 2026, under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.

In a statement, Indian Railways said the revised penalty aims to curb ticketless travel and ensure smoother railway operations. Under the amended provisions of Sections 137 and 138 of the Railways Act, 1989, passengers caught travelling without a valid ticket, pass, or using an already-used ticket will have to pay the applicable fare along with excess charges, subject to a minimum fine of ₹500.

The Ministry of Railways issued a gazette notification on June 19, bringing the amendment into force from June 20. Railway officials have repeatedly urged passengers to buy valid tickets before boarding trains to avoid penalties and legal action. The move comes as railways continue to intensify ticket-checking drives. In May alone, Central Railway recovered ₹40.85 crore from nearly 4.96 lakh ticketless passengers.

With the minimum penalty now doubled, Indian Railways has tightened its stance against ticketless travel, warning passengers to follow railway rules and carry valid tickets during their journey.