Chennai, Aug 31:
Indian Railways has doubled the penalty for littering on trains and railway premises from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000, in a move aimed at strengthening cleanliness and passenger discipline.
The revised penalty was notified through a Gazette notification dated August 24.
Passengers found throwing waste on trains or railway premises will now face a fine of up to Rs 1,000. The Railways has also warned against other unhygienic activities, including cooking, bathing, spitting and urinating on railway premises.
The move comes against the backdrop of continuing efforts to improve cleanliness at railway stations and onboard trains.
Despite repeated appeals to passengers to use dustbins, waste such as food packets, plastic wrappers and used water bottles is frequently found under seats, on platforms and at other locations.
Railway authorities have been undertaking extensive station-modernisation works under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, making cleanliness an important component of passenger amenities.
The Railways has also retained strict provisions against defacing railway property. Passengers are prohibited from putting up posters, writing slogans or messages or drawing on train coaches and other railway property.
Those who refuse to pay the fine could be produced before a court and face a penalty of up to Rs 2,000, according to the report.
Officials have emphasised that passenger cooperation is essential for maintaining clean railway stations and trains, particularly as the network handles millions of passengers every day.
The enhanced penalty is expected to act as a deterrent against littering and other activities that affect hygiene and cleanliness on railway premises.