Eastern Railway (ER) fines over 10,000 for littering, spitting; collects Rs 15 lakh in October
Times of India | 2 November 2024
Eastern Railway has increased efforts to prevent littering and spitting at its stations and train compartments. The RPF apprehended over 10,000 offenders and collected fines of ₹15,37,965 in October. KOLKATA: In a major step towards maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, the Eastern Railway has intensified its crackdown on littering and spitting across its stations and train compartments. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) took strict action against offenders, apprehending more than 10,000 individuals in October alone for littering and spitting in railway premises. The offenders were fined a total of ₹15,37,965, with some facing imprisonment as well.
The RPF, which remains vigilant across Eastern Railway’s divisions, uses CCTV surveillance to quickly detect and penalise any acts of littering or spitting, especially in the wake of the festive season when passenger traffic surges. Offenders are warned that continued violations could lead to serious penal action, including imprisonment, as part of efforts to encourage responsible behaviour among passengers.
Strict Enforcement Across DivisionsIn October, the RPF apprehended offenders in various divisions:
Earlier, during the July-September 2024 quarter, the RPF apprehended 12,900 offenders for littering and spitting, collecting fines totalling ₹17,66,010. This includes 4,958 apprehensions in Howrah, 2,023 in Sealdah, 2,214 in Asansol, and 3,704 in Malda.
Call for Cleanliness and Responsibility
Eastern Railway officials emphasise that littering and spitting not only deteriorate the aesthetics of railway premises but also compromise health and hygiene, impacting all passengers. The railway authorities are working tirelessly, alongside housekeeping staff, to uphold a clean environment, urging passengers to support these efforts by refraining from activities that harm cleanliness.
The RPF’s firm stance on penalising offenders is intended to promote behavioural correction, ensuring passengers take responsibility for maintaining a clean and healthy environment at railway premises.