Indian Railways Hikes Littering Fine to Rs 1,000
In a major move to improve hygiene and passenger discipline, the Indian Railways littering fine has been officially increased. The penalty for littering within railway stations and their premises has been doubled from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000, effective nationwide as of September 18, 2026.
New Regulations Under Jan Vishwas Act
This regulatory change was enacted under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act-2026. The Ministry of Railways issued a formal gazette notification on August 25, 2026, to amend the existing Indian Railways (Penalties for activities affecting cleanliness at Railway Premises) Rules, 2012. The formal notification was issued on August 24 by Shivendra Shukla, the Executive Director (Passenger Marketing) of the Railway Board.
Strictly Prohibited Activities
The revised rules outline several activities that are now subject to the increased penalty. To maintain the cleanliness of railway property, the following actions are strictly prohibited:
- Littering, spitting, or public urination and defecation.
- Cooking or bathing in unauthorized areas.
- Feeding animals or birds within the premises.
- Washing vehicles, utensils, or clothing in unauthorized spots.
- Pasting posters, writing, or drawing on railway coaches and property without permission.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The railway administration has strengthened its enforcement measures. If an individual is caught violating these cleanliness standards and refuses to pay the Rs 1,000 fine on the spot, they will be presented before a competent court. In such legal proceedings, the court may impose a significantly higher fine of up to Rs 2,