Bhubaneswar, October 24: East Coast Railway (ECoR) has intensified enforcement of railway rules under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, with 19,388 persons apprehended and fines totalling ₹1,00,68,125 collected between June 19 and October 20, 2026.

The drive aims to enhance passenger safety, maintain cleanliness, ensure public convenience and promote responsible behaviour across railway premises.

The Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, introduced amendments to various provisions of the Railways Act, 1989, with the objective of strengthening compliance and accountability through revised penal provisions. East Coast Railway is implementing the applicable provisions to curb violations, maintain order and safeguard passengers' interests.

The enforcement drive covered several offences, including trespassing, unauthorised hawking and selling of goods, disobedience of lawful directions, unauthorised occupation of reserved accommodation, misuse of railway premises and travelling on tickets booked in another person's name without authorisation.

Trespassing accounted for the highest number of violations, with 14,992 persons apprehended for entering passenger areas unlawfully, misusing railway premises or refusing to leave. Fines amounting to ₹75,05,100 were collected in these cases, reflecting ECoR's efforts to keep railway premises safe, accessible and orderly.

In another significant action, 169 persons were apprehended for unauthorised hawking, selling articles or soliciting customers on railway premises, resulting in fines of ₹3,27,500. The action is intended to prevent unauthorised commercial activities and improve passenger convenience.

Enforcement teams also took action against 4,117 vehicle drivers and conductors for disobeying reasonable directions on railway premises. Fines totalling ₹20,58,200 were collected in these cases to promote traffic discipline and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles within railway areas.

Other violations included 59 cases of unauthorised entry into compartments where no berth or seat had been reserved for passenger use, attracting fines of ₹81,000. Another 13 cases involved unlawful entry into or occupation of accommodation reserved exclusively for women, with fines of ₹31,500 collected. Six cases of travelling on tickets booked in another person's name without authorisation resulted in fines of ₹3,000.

Additionally, three persons were apprehended for fraudulently travelling or attempting to travel without a valid pass or ticket, resulting in fines of ₹5,325. One case involving the unlawful removal or wilful damage of railway notices, boards or displayed documents led to a fine of ₹2,000. Railway authorities also recorded 28 cases of smoking in train compartments in circumstances objectionable to other passengers, collecting fines of ₹54,500.

The enforcement results underline East Coast Railway's continued commitment to implementing the applicable provisions of the Railways Act, 1989, as amended by the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026. The initiative focuses on deterring violations, protecting passengers' rights, maintaining public order and ensuring the responsible use of railway facilities.

East Coast Railway has appealed to passengers and the general public to travel with valid tickets, respect reserved accommodation, avoid trespassing and unauthorised commercial activities, and comply with lawful directions issued by railway staff. Passengers have also been urged to maintain cleanliness, refrain from smoking where prohibited and help protect railway property.

ECoR reiterated that public cooperation is essential to maintaining safe, clean and passenger-friendly railway premises.