Indian Railways Introduces Stricter Rules in 2026: Smoking on Trains Can Now Attract Up to Rs 5,000 Fine

Indian Railways has introduced stricter regulations in 2026 to make train travel safer, cleaner and more comfortable for passengers.

The national transporter has tightened its rules against smoking, unauthorised hawking and begging on trains and railway premises, while significantly increasing penalties for violations.

The revised provisions came into effect through a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Railways on June 19.

The notification stated that, in exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (2) of Section 1 of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, the provisions relating to Serial Number 52 of the Railways Act, 1989, would come into force from the date of publication of the notification.

Smoking Strictly Prohibited on Trains and Railway Premises

Under Section 167 of the Railways Act, smoking remains completely prohibited inside trains and across railway premises.

Railway authorities have repeatedly highlighted that several incidents reported in the past were suspected to have been caused by smoking onboard trains or by the carriage of inflammable materials, posing a serious threat to passenger safety.

To strengthen enforcement, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, has substantially increased the penalties for offenders.

Under the amended provisions of Section 167(3), anyone found smoking in trains or on railway premises will now be liable to pay a penalty of Rs 2,000.

The amended law also empowers railway officials to confiscate the offender’s pass or ticket and remove the person from the train or railway premises.

In cases where an individual refuses to pay the penalty, railway authorities can produce the offender before a competent court having jurisdiction over the matter.

Upon conviction by the court, the offender can face a fine of up to Rs 5,000.

The amendment further specifies that, unless special and adequate reasons are recorded in the court’s judgment, the punishment should ordinarily not be less than a fine of Rs 2,000.

The Ministry of Railways said the tougher penalties are aimed at improving passenger safety and ensuring greater discipline across the railway network. By discouraging smoking and other prohibited activities,

Indian Railways hopes to create a safer and more pleasant travel experience for millions of passengers who use its services every day.