Indian Railways Doubles Fines for Littering and Public Order Offenses

The Ministry of Railways has implemented more stringent regulations to maintain hygiene and public order across railway premises and train coaches. Passengers travelling across the network must now be extra cautious about cleanliness rules as the national transporter steps up its enforcement to keep stations and trains spotless.

The maximum on-the-spot penalty for cleanliness and order violations has been doubled from ₹500 to ₹1,000 under the Indian Railways Amendment Rules, 2026. This notification was officially published in the Gazette on August 24, 2026.

Strict Actions Against Prohibited Activities

Individuals found littering, spitting, urinating, or defecating in non-designated areas face immediate fines. The updated rules also strictly penalize washing clothes or utensils in unauthorized zones and defacing railway property. Furthermore, activities such as cooking, bathing, storing unapproved materials, and feeding animals or birds on railway premises are now met with direct punitive measures. Authorized vendors and hawkers are also under strict obligation to provide dustbins and ensure proper waste disposal at all times.

Legal Consequences and Enforcement

Failure to pay the ₹1,000 on-the-spot penalty will result in immediate legal action, where offenders may be presented before a competent court. Upon conviction, the court is authorized to impose an additional financial penalty of up to ₹2,000 or order jail time. Enforcement of these rules is actively carried out by designated officials, including Station Masters, Station Managers, and Ticket Collectors from the Commercial Department, as well as authorized personnel from the Operating Department. Passengers are advised to cooperate with railway staff and maintain absolute cleanliness during their journey.