The Indian Railways has strengthened its rules and regulations to make train journeys safer and more comfortable for passengers. The national transporter has tightened norms against hawking, begging, and smoking on trains and railway premises, with stricter penalties for violators. According to a gazette notification issued on June 19, the Ministry of Railways has appointed the date of publication of this notification as the date on which the provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, shall come into force.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in trains and on railway premises under Section 167 of the Railways Act. Offences covered under Section 167 (3) of the Railways Act now attract a penalty of Rs 2,000. If the offender fails to pay the penalty, they may be produced before the competent court.
Upon conviction, the person can face a fine of up to Rs 5,000. In addition to smoking, hawking and begging are also prohibited on trains and railway premises. Under the provisions of the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, offences covered under Section 144 of the Railways Act now attract a penalty of Rs 2,000.
If the offender fails to pay the penalty, they may be produced before the competent court. Upon conviction, the person can face imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both. Furthermore, the penalty for male passengers travelling in ladies’ coaches or compartments on trains has been increased from Rs 500 to Rs 2,500, with effect from June 20, 2026.
The entry of male passengers into ladies’ compartments or coaches and occupying space reserved for lady passengers is a punishable offence under Section 162 of the Railways Act. If a passenger fails to pay the penalty, the individual may be produced before the competent court and, shall on conviction, can be punished with a fine of up to Rs 5,000. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) regularly conducts special drives against unauthorised entry into coaches reserved for women to prevent male passengers from travelling in ladies’ compartments.
The new rules aim to enhance the safety, security, and comfort of women passengers during their journey.
