New Delhi, June 22: The Jan Vishwas Act, 2026 has come into force following the assent of President Droupadi Murmu. The Act has also been published in the Gazette of India, bringing significant amendments to several provisions of the Railways Act, 1989.

Under the revised provisions, penalties for ticketless travel and other railway-related offences have been substantially increased. The minimum excess charge for travelling without a valid ticket or pass, or for travelling beyond the authorised distance, has been raised from Rs 250 to Rs 500. The same minimum charge will apply to passengers travelling on transferred tickets.

The amended law also imposes stricter penalties on unauthorised hawking, vending and begging in trains and railway premises. Offenders may now face fines of up to Rs 2,000, while repeat offenders could be sentenced to imprisonment along with fines up to Rs 5,000.

Passengers found intoxicated, creating nuisance, using abusive language or obstructing railway services may be fined up to Rs 1,000. Continued misconduct could attract imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both.

The amendments further provide for enhanced penalties for obstructing railway employees in the discharge of their duties, unauthorised entry into railway premises and violation of railway rules.

In a significant move to ensure women's safety, the Act prescribes a fine of Rs 2,500 for persons occupying compartments, coaches, berths or seats reserved for women without valid reason. Railway staff will also be empowered to remove such offenders.

The law has introduced stringent provisions against the transportation of prohibited or objectionable goods through railways. A minimum penalty of Rs 10,000 has been prescribed, with imprisonment of up to one year for non-payment in certain cases.

Officials said the amendments aim to strengthen discipline, improve passenger safety and enhance compliance with railway regulations across the country.