Indian Railway Rules: New guidelines for carrying home-cooked food in trains
Indian Railways has clarified its rules regarding passengers carrying home-cooked food during their journey. While the railway administration allows passengers to bring their own meals, it has warned against creating litter in the coaches. Heavy fines are being imposed on those who violate cleanliness norms.
Can passengers carry home-cooked food in trains
Passengers are permitted to carry and eat home-cooked food in trains without any penalty. However, the fine is applicable if the passenger throws food waste or litter inside the coach or on railway platforms. Railway officials stated that the focus is on maintaining hygiene rather than restricting food choices.
Recent penalties and cleanliness drives
The railway has intensified its checking campaigns to maintain cleanliness. According to official data, significant fines were collected from passengers for littering and smoking.
| Date/Period | Action/Event | Penalty Amount/Details |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Intensive checking campaign | ₹12,23,969 from 2,349 passengers |
| 28 June 2026 | Eastern Railway cleanliness drive | ₹2,89,400 from 1,447 passengers |
Other important travel restrictions
Apart from food, the railway has strict rules for other items. Oily substances like oil, ghee, and paint are generally not allowed, though up to 20 kg of ghee is permitted if packed securely in tins. Flammable items such as petrol, diesel, crackers, and explosives are strictly prohibited and can lead to imprisonment or heavy fines.
IRCTC updates on catering and e-catering
IRCTC has stopped pantry car food services from 11 PM to 6 AM starting June 1, 2026, to allow for maintenance and cleaning. Additionally, passengers are warned against using unauthorized e-catering platforms like Railrestro and Railmitra due to quality and data security risks. Legal action has been initiated against 14 such platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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