Mumbai Local Without Ticket Fine (As of 2024)
Local train commuters in Mumbai often wonder what if they travel ticketless? Will they have to pay a fine?
Sometimes people are in a rush and they board a local train without a proper ticket. It is also possible that a season ticket holder forgets to upgrade their plan before the last date and travels with an outdated pass. You will certainly have to pay a fine if you find yourself in such a predicament.
According to Sec. 138 Railway Act, the fine for traveling without a proper pass or ticket in the Mumbai region is Rs. 250. This is when the commuter is caught without a ticker in the train compartment or within the platform premises. After paying the fine, the railway official will provide a receipt/challan with the fine amount, and details of the commuter mentioned on it.
Does it matter where I begin my journey from?
Yes, it does matter where you begin and plan to end your local train journey. Before we get into the details you must know that local train tickets for short-distance travel are generally quite low (less than Rs. 50 for one person). But the fare can go up (it can cross Rs. 250) for long-distance travel. In such a scenario, you must pay a fine equivalent to the fare.
What if I travel ticketless in the first-class compartment?
The fine for traveling ticketless in the first-class compartment is the same as that of other compartments. You must pay Rs. 250 or the fine equivalent to the fare.
Here’s the caveat, first-class tickets on local trains are much higher than the second class. It is 10-15 times higher. Hence, be prepared to pay a higher amount if you even get caught ticketless traveling in a first-class compartment.
The first-class compartment has red or green stripes on the compartment walls. That should deter you from boarding the first-class compartment if you have a second-class compartment ticket.
Is it ethical to travel ticketless on a local train?
Travel ticketless on a local train is not only illegal but highly unethical. The cost of a ticket is already quite low, there’s no reason to avoid purchasing a proper ticket.
I understand that sometimes the queue for the ticket can be long, this is where the online ticketing system can come to the rescue.
Download and install the official unreserved ticketing system (UTS) app on your phone.
The UTS app is available in several regional languages and you have multiple payment options.
To sum things up, Mumbai local without ticket fine is Rs. 250 or the fine equivalent to the fare. It is always advisable to check if you have a proper ticket or pass before entering the railway platform. If you happen to be caught without a ticket, simply pay the fine and get along with your day. Do not attempt to flee the scene or argue with the railway official.
