Passengers travelling by train will now have to be more careful about cleanliness.
Indian Railways has doubled the penalty for several activities that affect cleanliness at railway stations, platforms and inside trains.
Under the amended rules, people violating the specified cleanliness requirements can now be fined up to ₹1,000. Earlier, the maximum penalty was ₹500.
The new rules came into effect after being published in the Official Gazette on August 24, 2026.
The aim is simple: to keep railway premises cleaner and discourage people from throwing waste or carrying out unhygienic activities in unauthorised areas.
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.
This includes things such as:
Plastic wrappers
Food packets
Bottles
Other rubbish
Waste must be thrown only at designated disposal points.
The rule applies not only inside trains but also across railway premises, including platforms and other station areas.
So, leaving a food packet on a platform or throwing a bottle outside a train could now result in a penalty of up to ₹1,000.
Spitting, Urinating and Other Activities Also Covered
The new rules cover more than just littering.
Activities such as spitting, urinating and defecating in unauthorised areas can also attract a penalty.
Several other activities are prohibited unless carried out in designated areas or with proper authorisation.
These include:
Cooking
Bathing
Feeding animals or birds
Washing vehicles
Washing clothes or utensils
Storing goods in unauthorised areas
The broader rules are aimed at improving hygiene across India’s large railway network.
Writing on Trains Can Also Get You in Trouble
Passengers also need to stay away from activities that damage or deface railway property.
Writing messages or slogans, drawing on coaches, or pasting posters on trains and railway property without permission is prohibited.
So, the new enforcement is not only about garbage.
People who damage the appearance of railway infrastructure through unauthorised writing or posters can also face action.
Vendors and Hawkers Also Have Responsibilities
The rules also apply to authorised vendors and hawkers operating on railway premises.
They are required to keep suitable waste collection bins and ensure that garbage generated through their business is taken to the designated disposal areas.
This is particularly important at busy stations and inside trains, where food and drink sales can generate a large amount of waste.
Who Can Collect the Fine?
The penalty can be collected by authorised railway officials.
These can include Station Masters, Station Managers and Ticket Collectors from the Commercial Department.
Officials of equivalent rank in the Operating Department and other authorised personnel can also enforce the rules.
But what happens if someone refuses to pay?
In such cases, further legal action can be taken. 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 are expected to take greater responsibility for keeping trains and stations clean.
A simple act such as throwing a wrapper, spitting on a platform or writing on a train could now lead to a much higher penalty than before.
However, effective enforcement will also depend on passengers having easy access to proper waste-disposal facilities.
For travellers, the safest approach is simple — use designated bins, follow railway cleanliness rules and avoid damaging railway property.
Bottom Line
Indian Railways has increased the cleanliness penalty from ₹500 to ₹1,000.
The rules cover littering, spitting, urinating, defacing railway property and several other activities across trains, platforms and stations.
Vendors and hawkers are also required to follow cleanliness requirements.
And if someone refuses to pay the penalty, the matter can go to court, where the fine can go up to ₹2,000.
