As per Indian Railways rules, TTE cannot immediately deboard you from the train even if you don’t have a ticket, but you can get a ticket on the train itself by paying a fine. At night, women and children cannot be disembarked even without tickets for security reasons, and the TTE cannot bother passengers to check tickets from 10 pm to 6 am.
Railways are considered to be the cheapest, easiest and most comfortable mode of transport in India. Millions of people prefer train travel because of the excellent sleeping and seating arrangements during long journeys. But many a times, hasty or unknowing passengers face major difficulties. In case of not having a ticket, fine has to be paid or strict action is taken by the railway staff.
But did you know that the Indian Railways rules also provide some special rights to passengers, which most people are unaware of? Even if there is no ticket, the TTE can’t get him off the train anytime and anywhere. Let’s find out what the actual railway laws say.
Don’t panic if you don’t have a ticket, this is the rule
If you have to catch a train suddenly or in a hurry and you could not buy a ticket from the platform, there is absolutely no need to panic. As per railway rules, you can approach the TTE directly after boarding the train and get a general or onward journey ticket legally inside the train with fixed fare and fine.
When can the TTE drop you off the train?
According to section 137 and 138 of the Railway Act, if a passenger is caught traveling without a ticket and refuses to pay the prescribed fine or fare or does not have money, the TTE has full legal authority to deboard him from the train at the next station and hand him over to the Railway Police (RPF). So it is imperative to cooperate with the staff and pay the fine after boarding the train.
Special protection cover for women and children at night
Section 139 of the Railway Act gives powers to prevent unauthorized entry into railway premises, but passengers are also given special protection as per Railway Commercial Manual and Humanitarian Rules.
According to this rule, even if a lone female passenger or a minor child does not have a ticket, TTE cannot drop them from a train at a crowded or minor station at night for security reasons. Even if any legal action is to be taken, it can be done only in the presence of women railway staff or GRP police at the next major station. Strict departmental action is taken against any officer who violates this rule.
10 PM to 6 AM: Even TTE can’t bother you!
As per Railway rules, the period from 10:00 pm to 06:00 am is considered as ‘Sleeping Hours’ keeping in mind the sleep and convenience of passengers. During this time TTE cannot normally wake or disturb you to check your ticket. However, this rule does not apply to passengers who have boarded the train only after 10 pm. If a TTE unnecessarily harasses passengers outside this period, a complaint can be lodged immediately on Railways helpline number 139.
Middle berth rule and facility of travel extension
The time for opening the middle berth in the train and sleeping on it has also been fixed from 10 pm to 6 am. It is imperative to lower the middle berth to allow lower berth passengers to sit during the day. If a passenger does not allow others to board and sleeps on the middle berth during the day, TTE can take action against him.
Also, if your plan changes during the journey and you need to proceed to the next station, you can extend your ticket by visiting the TTE on the train itself and paying an additional fare. Also, even if you miss your train, TTE cannot immediately allocate your seat to someone else. As per rule he has to wait for the passenger till the next station or two.
Action will be taken if you disturb the peace of co-passengers
It is important to be considerate of the privacy and comfort of others while traveling by train. Playing loud songs, talking on speaker phones or watching loud videos is strictly prohibited on trains at night.
RPF and GRP Police are responsible for passenger safety and maintaining law and order. The special thing to note is that these police can never check the tickets of the passengers. Their job is only to provide security. If a policeman or railway official illegally harasses in the name of ticket, passengers can lodge an official complaint with the railway administration.
Important Note: Traveling on a train without a ticket is a legal offense and can result in a fine or imprisonment. Railway rules for women and children at night are framed on the basis of their safety and humanity, not to abuse the law. Always travel with proper ticket as a responsible citizen.
