Indian Railways has introduced stricter penalties for passengers and individuals who violate certain rules on trains and railway premises.
Under the latest changes linked to the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, people caught smoking, unauthorized hawking, or begging can now face an immediate penalty of ₹2,000.
The new rules were notified by the Ministry of Railways on June 19 and are aimed at improving passenger safety, comfort, and overall travel experience.
Smoking on Trains Can Now Cost You Much More
Smoking has long been prohibited inside trains and railway premises.
However, the penalty for breaking this rule has now increased significantly.
Earlier, a person caught smoking could be fined up to ₹100.
Under the new rules, the penalty has been raised to ₹2,000.
If the offender refuses to pay the fine, railway authorities can produce the person before a court. After conviction, the court can impose a fine of up to ₹5,000.
In most cases, the court cannot impose a fine below ₹2,000 unless there are special reasons.
Railways considers smoking a serious safety risk, especially on long-distance trains where fire-related incidents can have severe consequences.
Tougher Action Against Unauthorized Hawkers and Beggars
The new rules also target unauthorized selling and begging inside trains and railway stations.
Any person found selling goods, canvassing customers, or exposing items for sale without railway permission can now face a ₹2,000 penalty.
However, licensed vendors approved by the railway administration are not affected by these changes and can continue their operations legally.
If a person refuses to pay the penalty, the case can be taken to court.
Upon conviction, the offender may face:
Up to three months in jail
A fine of up to ₹5,000
Or both imprisonment and a fine
Unless special reasons are recorded, the punishment cannot be less than one month in jail or a ₹2,000 fine.
Repeat Offenders May Face Jail for Up to One Year
The law becomes even stricter for repeat violations.
If a person is caught violating the same rule for the fourth time or more, the punishment can increase to up to one year of imprisonment along with a fine of up to ₹5,000.
In such cases, the minimum punishment is three months in jail and a ₹2,000 fine, unless the court decides otherwise for special reasons.
The amended provisions also clearly state that begging is not allowed in railway coaches, stations, or any railway premises. Authorized railway staff can remove such individuals from the premises.
What Does This Mean for Passengers?
Passengers are likely to notice cleaner and less crowded train coaches and station areas if the rules are enforced strictly.
Unauthorized vendors have been a common sight on many routes, especially in sleeper and unreserved coaches.
According to Railways, unlicensed vending can create overcrowding, affect passenger comfort, and raise safety concerns because the quality and source of goods may not be regulated.
At the same time, passengers should remember that licensed vendors are still allowed to operate.
The new rules only target those selling goods without railway authorization.
A Stronger Push for Safety and Better Travel Experience
The revised penalties show that Indian Railways is taking a tougher approach toward activities that affect passenger safety and convenience.
Whether it is smoking inside coaches or unauthorized selling on trains, violators now face much stricter consequences.
For passengers, these changes could lead to a safer, cleaner, and more comfortable travel experience in the future.
