An intensive enforcement drives launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Thiruvananthapuram Division, across the railway stations and trains in the State registered 1,315 cases under various provisions of the Railways Act, and collected a fine of ₹7.04 lakh from violators. The drive has been launched to improve passenger safety, discipline, and the overall travel experience.

The action against violators will continue strictly in accordance with the amended provisions of the Railways Act, 1989, brought into force through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, said a statement from the Railways.

The amendments under the Jan Vishwas Act empowers the RPF to impose penalties for violations like unauthorised occupation of reserved seats or berths, travelling in reserved coaches without proper ticket, unauthorised alarm chain pulling, hawking or vending on railway premises without a valid licence, drunkenness, nuisance, or indecent behaviour on railway premises, trespass and refusal to desist from trespass, travelling on the roof, footboard, engine, or other prohibited parts of trains, smoking on railway premises etc.

The amended Act has introduced significant reforms by decriminalising several minor offences under the Railways Act, 1989 and replacing criminal prosecution with civil penalties. This facilitates faster disposal of cases while ensuring effective enforcement through enhanced penalties for various railway violations.

Published - July 08, 2026 08:43 pm IST