Indian Railways doubles cleanliness violation penalty to one thousand rupees

Travelling on Indian Railways will now require a much stricter commitment to hygiene as the Ministry of Railways has officially doubled the fine for littering, spitting, and other cleanliness violations to ₹1,000. These revised regulations came into effect on August 24, 2026, following their publication in the official gazette under the Indian Railways (Penalties for activities affecting cleanliness at railway premises) Amendment Rules, 2026. This update amends the previous 2012 guidelines established by the Railways Act, 1989, to significantly enhance sanitation standards across the entire railway network.

Prohibited Activities and Fines

The updated rules strictly ban a wide range of unhygienic behaviors on trains and station property. Prohibited activities now explicitly include spitting, urinating, defecating, littering, bathing, washing clothes or utensils, cooking, feeding animals, and unauthorized posting of bills or graffiti. Passengers and visitors must be aware that anyone who fails to pay the mandated ₹1,000 penalty on the spot may face further legal action, with courts authorized to impose maximum fines of up to ₹2,000.

Enforcement and Vendor Responsibilities

To ensure strict compliance, enforcement power has been vested in designated railway personnel, including Station Masters, Station Managers, and Ticket Collectors from the Commercial and Operating departments. Additionally, the new regulations place a direct responsibility on authorized vendors and hawkers, mandating that they maintain proper waste containers and ensure responsible waste disposal at all times. These comprehensive measures serve as a strong deterrent to keep railway premises clean and passenger-friendly.