Indian Railways doubles littering penalty to Rs 1,000: What can get you fined?

The Indian Railways has doubled the penalty for littering and violating cleanliness rules on railway premises, increasing the fine from a maximum of Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. This change, effective immediately, is enforced through the Indian Railways (Penalties for Activities Affecting Cleanliness at Railway Premises) Amendment Rules, 2026, published in the Official Gazette.

Refusal to pay the fine can lead to further legal action, with a court potentially imposing a fine of up to Rs 2,000 under Rule 4 of the amendment. The Rs 1,000 penalty applies to any violation of cleanliness rules, including littering, spitting, urinating, defecating outside designated facilities, and washing clothes or utensils in unauthorized areas.

The rules also cover unauthorized activities such as cooking, bathing, and storing goods in inappropriate locations. Additionally, defacing railway property, including pasting posters or writing on coaches without permission, can result in penalties. Even authorized vendors and hawkers operating at railway premises are required to follow the cleanliness rules, including providing and maintaining designated waste disposal containers.

The enforcement of these rules falls on designated railway officials, such as Station Masters and Station Managers, as well as personnel from the Commercial and Operating departments and other authorized railway personnel.