What if I board the wrong train?
A reserved ticket is valid only for the train and date printed on it. Boarding a different train makes you ticketless on that train.
What it costs
₹500, plus the fare
Railways Act, 1989, section 137.
The rule
If you miss your train there is no automatic transfer to the next one. Cancel or file a TDR for the ticket you hold, and buy a fresh ticket for whatever you actually board.
Other rules at this stage
The rules about which train, which coach, and which station.
Sitting in a higher class than you paid for
Occupying a better class than your ticket means paying the fare difference plus a penalty.
₹500, plus the fare
Board at the station on your ticket
If you plan to board somewhere else, change the boarding point in advance — you may now do so up to 30 minutes before departure.
Men may not enter a ladies coach
A male passenger in a coach or seat reserved for women can be fined up to ₹2,500.
₹2,500
Questions
What if I board the wrong train?
A reserved ticket is valid only for the train and date printed on it. Boarding a different train makes you ticketless on that train. If you miss your train there is no automatic transfer to the next one. Cancel or file a TDR for the ticket you hold, and buy a fresh ticket for whatever you actually board.
What is the fine for this in 2026?
₹500, plus the fare.
What do people get wrong about this?
Many people believe a same-route train later that day will honour the ticket. It will not, and the TTE has no discretion to allow it.
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