Mumbai: From September 15, Western Railway will levy fine for littering Rail tracks

Starting September 15, be careful before dumping kachra on tracks and platforms. The Western Railway will tighten its noose around those who litter on rail station premises. The WR authorities – who are starting "Swachhta Hi Sewa Pakhwara", which will be observed from September 15 to October 2 – have planned to levy fine on commuters under anti-littering rule.

The WR officials said that they shall levy fine of around Rs 200-500 on people who litter wrappers, covers, bottles or even spit on tracks or platforms. The station master and TCs will be allowed to catch them. Ravinder Bhakar, Chief PRO, WR said: "Special attention would be given during the drive to clean track approaches to railway stations. Also action under anti-littering rule and imposition of penalty will be ensured".

The implementation of this will be tighter as it is being done across the Indian Railways. The officials said that on September 15, the railway staff will be administered Swachhta pledge and will be asked to monitor the stations. Even nukkad nataks will be organized with the help of NGO's, and schools at railway stations for awareness of passengers.

Focus will be ensured on cleaning of water booths and quality of drinking water, cleaning of drains, adequacy of dustbins, garbage disposal, etc. On September 16-17 they will have dialogues with public on cleanliness. Anti littering notices on various railway premises like stations, colonies, rest houses, running rooms, health units etc will be displayed. Awareness will be made through Public Announcement Systems and through posters encouraging more use of paperless travel in all classes of travels.

"Passengers can give feedback regarding cleanliness on helpline number 139," said a WR official "We will also ensure availability and working of cleaning machines, protective gears for cleaning staff, adequate dustbins at stations". Several campaigns such as 'fill the dustbin', 'donate the dustbin' for stations cleanliness shall also be undertaken. Plastic bottle crushers will be installed to avoid choking drains or water outlets.

Teams of officers will inspect cleanliness onboard the trains, washing line, at railway yards and stations; toilets and quality of linen. The catering stalls and pantry cars will also be inspected and those who do not follow hygienic environment; shall be fined.

• 1.60 L Cubic metre: Total silt and garbage removed
• 80 L Daily commuters on WR and CR
• 2-3 Daily muck-special trains operated