Indian Railways has officially updated its regulations to ensure cleaner station premises and trains for all passengers. The Ministry of Railways has formally implemented stricter rules to crack down on activities that compromise hygiene across the railway network, ensuring a better travel experience for everyone. Here are the key details you need to know about the revised cleanliness rules: the maximum fine for violations has been doubled from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000, the new rules were notified on August 24, 2026 under the Indian Railways Amendment Rules, 2026, and strict enforcement by authorities has already begun across major divisions.
The updated regulations are derived from the
Railways Act, 1989, and officially replace the previous guidelines that had been in place since 2012. Passengers and visitors must note that a wide range of activities is now strictly prohibited on railway property. These include
littering, spitting, unauthorized posting of advertisements, and urinating or defecating in non-designated areas. Additionally, actions such as unauthorized cooking, washing, and feeding animals or birds on railway premises will also attract these heavy penalties.
Under the amended rules, anyone caught violating cleanliness norms will be slapped with
a spot fine of Rs 1,000. Commuters must remember that failure or refusal to pay this penalty on the spot may lead to further legal proceedings. In such cases, a competent court holds the authority to impose
a much higher fine of up to Rs 2,000.
Railway authorities are leaving no room for leniency in enforcing these updated guidelines. Authorized personnel, including
Station Masters, Ticket Collectors, Operating Department officials, and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), have been empowered to fine offenders. The ground implementation is already in full swing. Proof of this strict enforcement was witnessed on
August 29, 2026, when two passengers were penalized with
Rs 1,000 each at the Surat and Udhna railway stations within the Mumbai Division of Western Railway. Passengers are strongly advised to cooperate with railway staff and use designated dustbins and facilities to maintain public hygiene and avoid hefty fines during their journey.
