Indian Railways increases the littering fine to one thousand rupees to ensure cleanliness
Indian Railways has implemented strict measures to maintain hygiene across the national network by doubling the penalty for littering. The littering fine has been increased from 500 rupees to 1,000 rupees to ensure better station cleanliness and passenger civic responsibility. This updated rule applies across all railway premises including stations, platforms, and trains.
- The penalty hike is effective from August 24, 2026.
- Authorized officials include station masters and ticket collectors.
- Offenses range from throwing waste to public bathing.
Updated Cleanliness Rules and Fines
The official notification became effective upon publication in the gazette on August 24, 2026, following an amendment to the Indian Railways Rules of 2012. According to Kota Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Saurabh Jain, these regulations are part of a broader mandate to maintain high standards of hygiene and civic responsibility across the entire rail network. Punishable offenses under the updated rules include discarding food waste, fruit peels, or biological matter in corridors and platforms. Passengers must use designated dustbins for plastic containers, snack packets, and water bottles. The policy also strictly prohibits spitting, unauthorized cooking, washing clothes or utensils, bathing in public areas, and open defecation or urination.
Enforcement and Special Cleanliness Drives
Failure to pay the imposed fine may result in the individual being presented before a competent court with penalties up to 2,000 rupees. Officials authorized to collect these fines include station masters, station managers, ticket collectors from the commercial department, and personnel of equivalent rank from the operations department. In conjunction with this strict enforcement, the Indian Railways is conducting special cleanliness drives, which include the disinfection of water tanks and filtration systems. Furthermore, the South Eastern Railway has specifically intensified these efforts across the Kharagpur, Adra, Chakradharpur, and Ranchi divisions to ensure a cleaner journey for all commuters.