New Rules Tighten Cleanliness Norms

Indian Railways has doubled the penalty for activities that affect cleanliness across railway stations, platforms and trains. Under the amended rules, passengers and other people found violating specified cleanliness requirements can now face a fine of up to ₹1,000, compared with the earlier ₹500 penalty.

The amended rules came into force following their publication in the Official Gazette on August 24, 2026. The move is aimed at strengthening cleanliness standards and discouraging passengers from treating railway premises as dumping grounds.

Throwing Waste Can Attract a ₹1,000 Fine

Passengers are prohibited from throwing, dumping or leaving waste at stations, platforms or inside train coaches except at designated disposal points.

This includes common forms of litter such as food packaging, plastic wrappers, bottles and other waste. The higher penalty is intended to make passengers think twice before casually leaving rubbish behind.

The rules apply across railway premises rather than only inside coaches, meaning passengers can also be penalised for littering on platforms and other station areas.

Spitting and Other Activities Also Covered

The revised rules go beyond ordinary littering. Activities including spitting, urinating and defecating outside designated areas can also attract penalties.

Passengers and visitors are also prohibited from activities such as cooking, bathing, feeding animals or birds, washing vehicles, utensils or clothes, and storing goods on railway premises when carried out in unauthorised areas.

The broader list is intended to address different forms of behaviour that can affect hygiene and cleanliness around India’s extensive railway network.

Writing on Trains Can Also Lead to Action

The rules also cover damage and defacement of railway property. Pasting posters, writing slogans or messages, or drawing on train coaches and railway property without prior authorisation is prohibited.

This means that the new enforcement framework is not limited to waste disposal. Activities that damage the appearance or cleanliness of railway infrastructure can also result in penalties.

Vendors and Hawkers Included

The revised cleanliness requirements also extend to authorised vendors and hawkers operating on railway premises.

They are required to maintain waste collection bins and ensure that garbage generated through their activities is disposed of at designated locations.

This is particularly relevant at busy stations and on trains, where food and beverage sales can generate significant quantities of packaging and other waste.

Who Can Collect the Fine?

The penalty can be collected by authorised railway personnel, including Station Masters, Station Managers and Ticket Collectors from the Commercial Department. Officers of equivalent rank in the Operating Department and other officials authorised under the relevant rules can also enforce the provision.

Passengers who refuse to pay the penalty could face further legal action. In such cases, a court can impose a fine of up to ₹2,000.

A Push for Cleaner Railway Travel

The increased penalty reflects Indian Railways’ attempt to strengthen enforcement rather than relying solely on awareness campaigns.

For passengers, the message is straightforward: throwing waste, spitting, defacing railway property and carrying out other prohibited activities can now result in a substantially higher financial penalty.

The success of the measure, however, will ultimately depend on consistent enforcement across stations and trains, along with adequate access to waste-disposal facilities.

Summary

Indian Railways has doubled the cleanliness penalty from ₹500 to ₹1,000 under amended rules that cover trains, stations and platforms. Throwing waste, spitting, urinating, defacing railway property and several other activities can attract the penalty. Vendors and hawkers are also covered, while refusing to pay could result in court proceedings and a fine of up to ₹2,000.