Indian Railways hikes fine to Rs 1,000 for littering stations, trains

Indian Railways has raised the penalty for littering at stations and on trains to Rs 1,000, effective immediately. The Ministry of Railways introduced the stricter rule on August 24 through a gazette notification, replacing the previous maximum fine of Rs 500. The penalty applies to any act that violates cleanliness rules, such as throwing litter, cooking, bathing, spitting, urinating, defecating, feeding animals or birds, washing items, or storing belongings on railway premises, except in designated areas.

Railway officials, including Station Masters, Ticket Collectors, and authorized vendors, are responsible for enforcing the rule and collecting the fine. Failure to pay the fine may result in court proceedings, with the potential for a fine of up to Rs 2,000.