Indian Railways doubles fines for cleanliness violations

Indian Railways has doubled the maximum penalty for cleanliness violations at railway premises. Under an amendment to the Indian Railways (Penalties for Activities Affecting Cleanliness at Railway Premises) Rules, 2012, the fine for littering and other hygiene-related offenses has increased from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.

The new regulations, published in the Gazette of India, apply to passengers and individuals using stations, platforms, and train coaches. Prohibited activities include throwing or dumping waste outside designated areas, spitting, urinating, or defecating outside provided facilities, and cooking or bathing in unauthorized locations. Other violations include washing clothes or utensils in non-designated areas, feeding animals or birds, and pasting unauthorized posters or writing slogans on railway property.

Failure to pay the Rs 1,000 penalty may result in more severe legal consequences. Under the amended rules, individuals who refuse or fail to pay must be produced before a competent court, which has the authority to impose fines of up to Rs 2,000.