Bhubaneswar: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has fined 581 individuals for spitting and littering at Bhubaneswar Railway Station in March 2025, collecting a total of Rs 1,17,100 in penalties. This action, taken under the directives of the East Coast Railway (ECoR), is part of an ongoing initiative to maintain cleanliness and hygiene across railway premises.
To tackle the persistent problem of littering and spitting, a special task force (STF) has been set up to enforce cleanliness regulations and raise awareness among passengers. The STF operates in coordination with station managers, ticket collectors, RPF personnel, and officials from the commercial and operating departments. Their role is to actively monitor cleanliness, issue fines to violators, and ensure that railway premises remain clean and hygienic for all passengers.
In addition to enforcement, a special campaign has been launched to educate travelers about the importance of maintaining railway cleanliness. Public announcements are being made through the station’s audio system, and awareness materials such as posters and banners have been placed at strategic locations. The campaign is further strengthened through outreach efforts on social media and other communication channels.
Under the revised cleanliness directives, railway staff has been given the authority to penalise individuals found engaging in unhygienic activities, including spitting, throwing garbage, cooking, bathing, urinating, or defecating within railway premises or train compartments. The aim is to create a cleaner and healthier travel experience for passengers while discouraging activities that contribute to filth and unhygienic conditions. ECoR’s commitment to strict cleanliness measures extends beyond Bhubaneswar railway station to all stations under its jurisdiction. Station managers are tasked with ensuring regular maintenance, monitoring passenger behavior, and implementing penalties for violations.
Officials emphasise that maintaining cleanliness is not just about compliance but also about ensuring public health and enhancing the overall travel experience. “Keeping railway stations clean is a shared responsibility. Our efforts aim to instill a sense of discipline among passengers and encourage them to actively participate in keeping the environment clean,” said an ECoR official.
Passengers are urged to use designated dustbins placed throughout station premises, dispose of waste responsibly, and use the toilets and washrooms provided at specified locations. They are also reminded to refrain from spitting on platforms or within station premises to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment. The railway administration calls upon all passengers to cooperate with cleanliness norms and contribute towards making railway stations and trains free of litter and waste.
