Train Ticket Fine: Travelling by train in India without a valid ticket—or with an irregular one—can cost you more than you expect. Under the Railways Act, 1989, Indian Railways has strict penalty rules to curb ticketless travel, misuse of concessions, and safety violations.
| Violation / Offence | Fine / Penalty |
|---|---|
| Travelling without ticket (minimum) | ₹250 + full fare |
| Intentional ticketless travel | Fare + fine up to ₹1,000 / jail |
| No ID with e-ticket | ₹250 + fare |
| Waitlisted e-ticket in Sleeper coach | ₹250 + fare |
| Waitlisted e-ticket in AC coach | ₹440 + fare |
| Wrong ticket type (Express on Superfast) | Fare difference + excess charge |
| Senior citizen without age proof | Pay full fare difference |
| False concession claim | Ticket forfeited + fine |
| Unbooked / excess luggage | Up to 6× luggage charge |
| Male in ladies coach | Fine up to ₹500 |
| Smoking in train/station | Fine up to ₹500 |
| Emergency chain pulling (misuse) | ₹1,000 fine / jail |
| Track trespassing | ₹1,000 fine or jail |
Is Travelling Without a Ticket a Crime in India?
Yes. As per the Railways Act, 1989, travelling without a valid ticket or pass is a punishable offence. Depending on intent and circumstances, penalties range from monetary fines to imprisonment.
Indian Railways collected ₹1,781 crore in FY25 from ticketless travel, irregular tickets, and unbooked luggage—highlighting how common and strictly enforced these rules are.
Common Train Ticket Fines in India (2026)
1. Ticketless Travel (Intentional)
- Penalty: Full fare + fine up to ₹1,000
- Law: Section 137, Railways Act
- Punishment: Fine, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both
- Applies when: Deliberate fare evasion or repeat offence
2. Ticketless Travel (Unintentional / Accidental)
- Penalty: Minimum ₹250 + fare from originating station
- Law: Section 138
- Example:
If sleeper fare is ₹100 → Total penalty = ₹350
Fine for No ID with e-Ticket
Passengers travelling on e-tickets (IRCTC) must carry valid photo ID.
- Fine: ₹250 + applicable fare
- Law: Section 138
- Treated as: Travelling without a ticket
Reserved Coach Violations (Waiting List Tickets)
Since 2025, waitlisted e-tickets are NOT allowed in reserved coaches.
| Coach Type | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Sleeper Class | ₹250 + fare |
| AC Coaches | ₹440 + fare |
Passengers are either fined or deboarded at the next station.
Using the Wrong Ticket Type (Express vs Superfast)
If you travel on a Superfast train with an Express ticket, you must pay:
- Fare difference
- Excess charge (minimum ₹250)
In some reported cases, total penalties exceeded ₹1,000, depending on distance and class.
Ladies Coach Violation
- Offence: Male passenger in ladies-only compartment
- Penalty: Up to ₹500
- Action: Immediate removal; ticket forfeited if resisting
Senior Citizen & Concession Ticket Penalties
No Age Proof (Senior Citizens)
- Pay difference between full fare and concession fare
False Concession Claim
- Treated as ticketless travel
- Original ticket forfeited
- Fine as per rules
Unbooked or Excess Luggage Fine
- Penalty can be up to 6 times the normal luggage charge
- Applies to luggage not declared or exceeding limits
Safety & Station-Related Offences
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Smoking in trains/stations | Fine up to ₹500 |
| Emergency chain pulling (misuse) | ₹1,000 fine / jail |
| Track trespassing | ₹1,000 fine or 6 months jail |
| Rooftop / footboard travel | Jail up to 3 months / fine |
Can TTEs Arrest Passengers?
- TTEs cannot arrest
- If you refuse to pay fine, they can:
- Hand over the passenger to RPF
- Initiate legal action under the Railways Act
How Ticket Checking Works in 2026
Indian Railways has modernised ticket enforcement using:
- 30,000+ Hand-Held Terminals (HHTs)
- Digital fare calculation
- Real-time chart access
- Transparent fine collection
This reduces disputes and human error during ticket checks.
New 2026 Passenger-Friendly Rule: Free Date Change
To reduce cancellations, Indian Railways introduced:
Free Date Rescheduling (From Jan 2026)
- Change travel date without cancellation charges
- Applicable for confirmed tickets
- Fare difference applies if new ticket costs more
- Subject to seat availability
Key Things Every Passenger Must Remember
- You always pay the journey fare + penalty
- Minimum fine is usually ₹250
- Intentional violations carry harsher punishment
- Keep ID proof, even for short trips
- Waitlisted e-tickets cannot board reserved coaches
Indian Railways Ticket Rules 2026
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid ticket required | Every passenger must carry a valid ticket or pass |
| ID mandatory for e-ticket | Photo ID must be shown with IRCTC e-tickets |
| Correct class travel | Travel only in the class mentioned on your ticket |
| No WL in reserved coaches | Waitlisted e-tickets cannot board Sleeper/AC |
| Concession proof required | Original certificates must be carried |
| Fare + penalty applicable | Fine is charged along with journey fare |
| TTE authority | TTE can fine as per rules, not arbitrarily |
Do’s & Don’ts for Train Travel
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Carry valid ticket & ID | Don’t travel without a ticket |
| Check ticket status before boarding | Don’t board reserved coach with WL ticket |
| Travel in allotted class | Don’t use Express ticket on Superfast train |
| Keep concession documents | Don’t misuse senior citizen concessions |
| Declare extra luggage | Don’t carry unbooked excess baggage |
| Follow coach rules | Don’t enter ladies-only compartment |
| Use emergency chain only in real emergencies | Don’t pull chain without valid reason |
FAQs
Q1. What is the minimum fine for travelling without a ticket in India?
The minimum fine is ₹250 plus the applicable journey fare, as per the Railways Act, 1989.
Q2. Can a TTE collect a fine on the spot?
Yes. Ticket Examiners (TTEs) are authorised to collect fines based on distance, class, and offence type.
Q3. Is ID proof compulsory for e-tickets?
Yes. Passengers travelling on IRCTC e-tickets must carry valid photo ID. Failure attracts a fine.
Q4. Can I travel in Sleeper or AC with a waitlisted e-ticket?
No. Waitlisted e-tickets are not allowed in reserved coaches and will attract a penalty.
Q5. What happens if I refuse to pay the train fine?
The TTE can involve the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and legal action may be initiated.
Q6. Is travelling in a higher class allowed if seats are vacant?
No. Travelling in a higher class without authorisation leads to fare difference + penalty.
Q7. Is accidental ticketless travel treated differently?
Yes. Accidental cases usually attract the minimum fine of ₹250 + fare, while intentional cases are stricter.
Q8. Can ticketless travel lead to jail?
Yes. Intentional or repeat offences may lead to imprisonment under Section 137 of the Railways Act.
Q9. Is Aadhaar mandatory for train travel?
No. Any valid government-issued photo ID is accepted.
Q10. Are platform tickets compulsory?
Yes. Entering railway platforms without a platform ticket can result in a ₹250 fine.
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