Railway New Rules: If you travel by train frequently, this news is very important for you. Indian Railways is going to make a major change in its rules from July 1. From those who travel without a ticket in the train to the passengers who unknowingly violate the railway rules, the system now has to turn a red eye. Important amendments to the Railway Act have been proposed under the Central Government’s Public Trust (Amendment of Provisions) Act, which has also received the assent of the President.

All Zonal Railways have been informed about this by the Railway Board. These new revised rules are highly likely to be implemented across the country from July 1 through a separate notification. Let’s know how much penalty you may have to pay for any mistake.

If you travel without a ticket, the fine will be doubled

As per the new rules, anyone caught traveling inside a railway station or train without a proper and valid ticket will face a heavy financial blow. Under the amended Section 137 of the Railway Act, passengers who re-use ticketless or previously used tickets will be charged the applicable fare and surcharge, along with the minimum penalty amount has also been increased.

  • Current minimum fine: Rs 250
  • Proposed fine from July 1: Rs 500

According to railway authorities, passengers who refuse or cannot pay these fines or charges after being caught, will face strict legal action in the competent court.

Those traveling on other’s confirmed tickets beware!

Often people travel on the ticket of a family member or someone else, but doing so now can be a hassle. Railways have tightened rules to prevent misuse of reserved tickets. If a passenger is caught traveling on a ticket issued in the name of another person, then:

  • Railway officials will immediately confiscate those tickets.
  • The passenger has to pay the fixed fare of the train and additional charges.
  • In this case also it will be mandatory to pay a fine of at least 500 rupees.

If men sit in the women’s coach, the pockets will be empty

Railways has taken a major step to further improve the safety and comfort of women passengers in trains. Strict action will be taken if any male passenger is found sitting in the reserved seats, berths or entire coach (Ladies Coach) for women in the train.

  • A male passenger who violates the rule can be fined Rs 2,500 by the railway system.
  • Besides, railway security personnel and officials have been empowered to immediately evict such male passengers from the female coaches.

Ban on rowing, begging on trains and illegal ferries

New provisions have also been made to make railway premises and train compartments clean and peaceful for passengers.

Ban on illegal selling and begging: Strict action will be taken against those who sell goods (fariwalas) and beggars without permission in train coaches or station premises. Violators can be fined up to Rs 2,000.

Provision for imprisonment: If a person is caught repeatedly committing this crime, he can be jailed for up to one year.

Drunkenness and Misbehavior: The new revisions include a provision to levy heavy fines for causing nuisance in trains, misbehaving with co-passengers or even being caught in a drunken state.

The main objective behind all these new railway reforms is to make the journey of passengers safer and ensure strict adherence to railway rules. So, while traveling by train from July 1, it is necessary to take special care to ensure that you have the right ticket and follow the rules.