Indian Railways reserves designated coaches and compartments for women passengers to provide them with a safer and more comfortable travel environment. Male passengers who enter these reserved coaches without authorisation can face action under railway rules, including a monetary penalty.
The Railways recently reiterated the rule through its official social media channels, reminding passengers to check the reservation markings before boarding a coach. Unauthorised entry into a women’s coach is treated as a violation, and passengers found travelling in such coaches can be penalised.
What penalty can passengers face?
A passenger found in a women’s reserved coach without permission may face immediate action by railway authorities. According to the information shared by the Railways, the penalty can initially be up to Rs 500, while the amount may increase to Rs 2,500 depending on the circumstances and applicable provisions.
Passengers who fail or refuse to pay the imposed penalty may face a further increase, with the amount potentially reaching ₹5,000. Railway authorities therefore advise passengers to check the coach markings and ensure they are travelling in the compartment meant for them.
What about transgender passengers?
The Railways has also clarified that the restriction does not apply in the same manner to transgender persons covered under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
The clarification was issued to explain how the rules concerning women-only coaches apply in relation to transgender passengers.
Railway video explains the rule
Southern Railway has also released an illustrative video highlighting the restriction. In the video, women board a coach marked ‘LADIES’ after the train arrives at a station. A male passenger is shown entering the same coach, following which ticket-checking staff intervene and inform him that the coach is reserved for women.
The Railways has urged passengers to pay attention to coach markings and follow the applicable rules while travelling to avoid penalties or other action.