The Indian Railways announced new penalty rules for disruptive activity on railway trains and stations to combat this. Smoking, hawking and begging on railway trains or stations will be punished with a ₹2,000 fine.
The new penalties are in line with Railways’ larger vision to make the journey more healthy, safer and more comfortable for millions of daily commuters. Smoking in public areas was always a concern not just for health but also for fire safety. This hefty fine will also help to discourage the practice and to create a smoke‑free environment on railway property.
Hawking and unauthorized vending have been a regular feature of trains and platforms all along. Though some vendors provide convenience to passengers, they have a high number of passengers and often get overcrowded, safety hazards and have lax food sales policy. The ₹2,000 fine is expected to act as a deterrent to make sure that licensed sellers do not operate illegally in railway premises.
Passengers have also been struggling with begging in trains and stations and that is what makes it so uncomfortable for passengers. The new penalty will do that and make it harder to do so. And it's not just discipline but it is for what happened to those vulnerable people, officials said, who often have to pay the price of begging networks as they are exploited by organized groups that control begging networks.
The railway authorities have said enforcement will be done by ticket examiners, station staff and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to ensure passenger safety, and passengers who are found to be violating the rules will be fined and will be prosecuted if they do not pay attention to these rules, with further legal action and/or action against them at the end of the day.
The introduction of these fines takes place as Indian Railways is investing in modernization such as upgraded passenger amenities, digital ticketing, and better safety measures. By dealing with such everyday nuisances as smoking, hawking and begging, Railways hopes to create a more pleasant travel environment that is consistent with the modernization strategy.
Passenger reaction has been mixed. Some welcomed the move as a step towards cleaner and safer journeys; others were worried about the enforcement process and the possible impact on marginalized groups. However, Railways has reiterated its commitment to balancing passenger comfort with social responsibility.
The new penalty regime is really a big step in Indian Railways’ ongoing reform. The government will now be able to discipline people if they smoke, hawk, and beg and improve travel in the country.
