- Over 19,000 persons apprehended and fines exceeding ₹1 crore realised to promote passenger safety, discipline and a better travel experienceBhubaneswar, 24 October 2026
- East Coast Railway has strengthened the enforcement of railway rules under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, reinforcing its commitment to passenger safety, public convenience, cleanliness and responsible behaviour across railway premises. From 19 June 2026 to 20 October 2026, ECoR apprehended 19,388 persons for various violations and realised fines amounting to ₹1,00,68,125 (over ₹1 crore) under the applicable provisions of the Railways Act, 1989.
- The Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, which introduced amendments to various provisions of the Railways Act, 1989, aims to promote compliance and strengthen accountability through revised penal provisions. East Coast Railway is implementing the applicable provisions to discourage unlawful activities, ensure orderly movement within railway premises and safeguard the interests of passengers.
- The enforcement drive has covered a range of violations, including unauthorised hawking and selling of goods, trespassing, disobedience of lawful directions, travelling on tickets booked in another person’s name without authorisation, unauthorised occupation of reserved accommodation and other prohibited activities.
- Among the key enforcement outcomes, 14,992 persons were apprehended for trespassing into passenger areas or misusing railway premises and refusing to leave, resulting in fines of ₹75,05,100. This reflects ECoR’s continued efforts to ensure that railway premises remain safe, accessible and orderly for passengers.
- Similarly, 169 persons were apprehended for unauthorised hawking, selling articles or canvassing for custom on railway premises, with fines of ₹3,27,500 realised. Such enforcement helps maintain passenger convenience and discourages unauthorised commercial activities within railway premises.
- Action was also taken against 4,117 vehicle drivers and conductors for disobeying reasonable directions on railway premises, with fines amounting to ₹20,58,200 realised. These measures support the smooth movement of vehicles and help maintain traffic discipline within railway areas.
- Other enforcement actions included 59 cases involving unauthorised entry into compartments where no berth or seat had been reserved for passenger use, resulting in fines of ₹81,000; 13 cases of unlawful entry into or occupation of accommodation reserved exclusively for women, with fines of ₹31,500; and six cases involving travel on tickets booked for another person without authorisation, with fines of ₹3,000.
- In addition, three persons were apprehended for fraudulently travelling or attempting to travel without a proper pass or ticket with intent to defraud the railway administration, with fines of ₹5,325 realised. One case involving the unlawful removal or wilful damage of railway notices, boards or displayed documents resulted in a fine of ₹2,000. A further 28 cases of smoking in train compartments when objectionable to other passengers were recorded, with fines of ₹54,500 realised.
- These enforcement measures underline East Coast Railway’s commitment to implementing the applicable provisions of the Railways Act, 1989, as amended by the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026. The focus remains on encouraging lawful conduct, protecting passengers’ rights, maintaining public order and ensuring that railway facilities are used responsibly.
- East Coast Railway appeals to passengers and members of the public to purchase valid tickets, respect reserved accommodation, refrain from trespassing and unauthorised commercial activities, obey the lawful directions of railway staff and cooperate with railway authorities. Passengers are also urged to maintain cleanliness, avoid smoking where prohibited and help preserve railway property.
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