Online frauds are becoming common by the day and this has been leading to losses for the railways. Hence, the ministry is planning to introduce an amendment to the Railways Act of 1989 and include a provision to penalise e-ticket frauds.

The fine is expected to be more than Rs 2 lakh, a source said, according to Live Mint. For convicts, there has been no proposal to increase the currently existing three-year jail term.

“Cases of such fraud have been increasing and a need was felt to include a new provision. The new provision has been proposed by the Railway Protection Force. It will involve an amendment to the Act. This has to be approved by the Railway Board,” Live Mint quoted their source as saying.

In Mumbai earlier this year in May, Central Railways arrested a man who used a fake software to book Tatkal tickets. Using this means, he allegedly earned over Rs 35 lakh a month.

The Act currently does not have a provision to address e-ticket frauds, but it holds a clause to punish those guilty of illegal sale and purchase of tickets. It provides imprisonment of up to three years or a fine that can go up to Rs 10,000.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) will increase vigilance in these cases. The Information and Technology Act is being used to book those who commit online frauds as of now.

The proposal includes an increase in fines for causing nuisance against women passengers, encroachment of compartments reserved for women, people with disabilities and littering in the coach.