Indian Railways Hikes Penalties: Rs 2K For Smoking, Hawking, Begging On Trains

Under the revised provisions, unauthorized begging in railway coaches, platforms, and station premises will attract a penalty of Rs.2,000. Repeat offenders may also face imprisonment as per applicable legal provisions.

The Railway Ministry has also substantially enhanced penalties for several other violations, and a fine of Rs 2,000 would also be levied on unauthorized hawking on trains or railway premises without authorization.

Passengers found smoking in coaches, compartments, or other prohibited railway areas will also face a Rs.2,000 fine.

Travelling without a valid ticket will now attract a minimum penalty of Rs 500 in addition to the applicable fare.

Passengers using another person’s ticket or pass will face a minimum fine of Rs 500 and confiscation of the ticket.

Persons using abusive language, creating disturbances, or traveling in an intoxicated condition may face fines of up to Rs.1,000 and can be removed from the train.

Men found traveling in compartments or berths reserved for women may be fined Rs.2,500 and are liable to immediate removal.

The other penalties include Rs. 500 for violating traffic signs and Rs. 10,000 for bringing dangerous goods into trains and stations.

All these fees will be collected on the spot, and a receipt will be given to the passenger. If the fine is not paid, a case will be registered, and the passenger will be taken to the police station and produced in court. Earlier, the Railway Police Force did not have the authority to collect fines. According to the changed laws, this facility has been provided from the 15th of this month.

According to railway officials, the change will simplify enforcement by expanding on-the-spot fines and reducing court proceedings. Given the millions of daily rail passengers, the steeper fines should discourage offences and boost discipline on trains and at stations.