What is the fine for pulling the chain in a train?
Pulling the chain without a proper reason is a criminal offence, not a fine you shrug off.
What it costs
₹1,000, up to 1 year in prison
The rule
Valid reasons are narrow: a medical emergency, a fire, a child or companion left behind at a station, or a genuine danger to the train. Missing your stop is not one of them.
Other rules at this stage
Your seat, your neighbours, and what the TTE can and cannot do.
Your berth is held for a while if you are late
If you miss your boarding station, your berth is not handed to a waitlisted passenger immediately.
The middle berth comes down at 10 PM
A middle berth may be kept open for sleeping only between 10 PM and 6 AM. Outside those hours it stays folded.
Lower berths go to those who need them
Lower berths are allotted automatically to senior citizens and to women travelling alone, where available.
Your allotted berth is yours
Nobody may occupy your reserved berth, including waitlisted or RAC passengers, unless the TTE has reallocated it.
Questions
What is the fine for pulling the chain in a train?
Pulling the chain without a proper reason is a criminal offence, not a fine you shrug off. Valid reasons are narrow: a medical emergency, a fire, a child or companion left behind at a station, or a genuine danger to the train. Missing your stop is not one of them.
What is the fine for this in 2026?
₹1,000, up to 1 year in prison.
What do people get wrong about this?
It is widely treated as a way to stop the train for a late passenger. That use is exactly what the offence covers.
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