The Indian Railways is also imposing heavy fines on men entering or travelling in ladies’ coaches, from ₹500 to ₹2,500. The new rule will be implemented on June 20, 2026, and is part of the Jan Vishwas Act to ensure safety and security of passengers.
Women's coaches have always been reserved to provide women passengers with a secure and comfortable travel experience. But repeated violations by men entering these compartments have created safety concerns. So the increase in fines is meant to be a strong deterrent.
The new fine structure is in line with the Jan Vishwas Act, which decriminalizes minor crimes, and thus increases monetary penalties to enhance compliance. Railway officials said enforcement is being modernized and trains are disciplined to better serve travelers.
To ensure strict implementation, the RPF and ticket examiners will intensify monitoring of ladies’ coaches. Surprise checks and increased patrolling at stations and onboard trains will be carried out. Offenders will be fined immediately, and repeat violations may invite further legal action.
For women passengers, this will also mean more safety and comfort on a journey. It will also make commuters think about respect for reserved compartments and the rules of train use and the railway,” the government said.
This fine hike is part of a larger set of reforms adopted by Indian Railways in 2026. On top of that we also see new penalties for ticketless travel, smoking, and hawking. Collectively they are in line with Railways’ commitment to passenger safety, discipline and modernization.
With a higher fine of ₹2,500, Indian Railways has taken a big step towards safeguarding women passengers and keeping people accountable. The measure may feel like a tough one, but it’s a lesson for India: how to respect reserved spaces and make travel on India’s enormous railway network equitable.
