Railways raises littering fine to Rs 1,000 at stations, trains

Indian Railways has increased the penalty for littering and other cleanliness violations at railway stations and on trains to Rs 1,000, up from the earlier maximum of Rs 500. The revised fine was notified through a gazette notification issued on August 24, amending the Indian Railways (Penalties for Activities Affecting Cleanliness at Railway Premises) Rules, 2012.

The new rules, called the Indian Railways (Penalties for Activities Affecting Cleanliness at Railway Premises) Amendment Rules, 2026, came into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. If a person fails to pay the penalty on the spot, they may be produced before a competent court, which can impose a fine of up to Rs 2,000.

Under the amended rules, passengers and others on railway premises are barred from throwing or leaving litter anywhere except in designated places. The rules also prohibit cooking, bathing, spitting, urinating, defecating, feeding animals or birds, washing vehicles, utensils or clothes, and storing items on railway premises unless specific facilities are provided.

Additionally, putting up posters, writing or drawing on coaches or railway property without permission, and any act that damages or defaces railway property are disallowed. Authorised vendors and hawkers must keep dustbins or waste containers and ensure proper disposal of waste.

Railway officials authorised to collect the penalty include Station Masters or Station Managers, Ticket Collectors of the Commercial Department or equivalent rank in the Operating Department, and other officials designated by the Railway Administration.