A small mistake at a railway station or inside a train could now cost passengers much more.
Indian Railways has doubled the penalty for several activities that affect cleanliness.
Under the updated rules, people violating the specified cleanliness requirements can now be fined up to ₹1,000, compared with the earlier ₹500.
The amended rules came into effect after being published in the Official Gazette on August 24, 2026.
The aim is simple — to discourage people from littering and help keep railway stations, platforms and trains cleaner.
Throwing Waste Can Now Cost ₹1,000
Passengers are not allowed to throw, dump or leave waste at railway stations, platforms or inside train coaches.
Waste should be placed only at designated disposal points.
This includes everyday items such as:
Food packets
Plastic wrappers
Bottles
Other rubbish
So, leaving a food packet under your seat or throwing a bottle on the platform could now lead to a ₹1,000 penalty.
The rule applies across railway premises, not just inside trains.
Spitting, Urinating and Other Activities Are Also Covered
The updated rules go beyond simply throwing garbage.
Activities such as spitting, urinating and defecating outside designated areas can also attract penalties.
Several other activities are restricted in unauthorised areas, including:
Cooking
Bathing
Feeding animals or birds
Washing vehicles
Washing utensils or clothes
Storing goods
The rules are designed to cover different activities that can affect hygiene and cleanliness around railway stations and trains.
Writing or Drawing on Trains Can Also Get You in Trouble
The new rules also target the defacement of railway property.
Pasting posters, writing slogans or messages, or drawing on trains and railway property without permission is prohibited.
So, the penalty isn’t only about garbage. Actions that damage or spoil the appearance of railway infrastructure can also lead to enforcement action.
Vendors and Hawkers Must Also Follow the Rules
The cleanliness requirements also apply to authorised vendors and hawkers operating on railway premises.
They must keep suitable waste bins and make sure the garbage generated through their activities is taken to the designated disposal areas.
This is especially important at busy stations and on trains, where food and beverage sales can generate a large amount of waste.
Who Can Collect the Fine?
The fine can be collected by authorised railway officials.
These can include Station Masters, Station Managers and Ticket Collectors from the Commercial Department, along with eligible officers from the Operating Department and other officials authorised under the rules.
But what happens if someone refuses to pay?
Refusing to pay the penalty could lead to further legal action. In such cases, a court can impose a fine of up to ₹2,000.
What Does the New Rule Mean for Passengers?
The message from Indian Railways is clear: passengers need to be more careful about their behaviour on railway premises.
Throwing garbage, spitting, damaging railway property and carrying out other prohibited activities could now result in a significantly higher fine.
However, effective enforcement will also depend on passengers having proper access to waste bins and other disposal facilities.
For travellers, the safest approach is simple — use designated areas, keep the train and station clean, and avoid activities that are specifically prohibited under the revised rules.
