Western Railway (WR) reported a sharp rise in cases of spitting and littering across station premises in April this year, underscoring persistent cleanliness issues despite stricter enforcement.
As many as 2,657 commuters were penalised during the month—nearly 12 times higher than the 227 cases recorded in April last year. The surge reflects both continued violations and intensified monitoring, as per reports by Hindustan Times,.
The total fines collected also rose significantly, increasing from ₹42,050 in April 2025 to ₹5,37,850 this year—an over 1,100% jump.
Major transit hubs such as Borivali, Dadar, Andheri and Churchgate railway stations emerged as key hotspots due to heavy footfall and tighter enforcement. Other stations including Bandra Terminus and Mumbai Central also reported notable violations, while smaller stations like Marine Lines railway station and Palghar railway station recorded fewer cases.
Among all locations, Virar railway station stood out as the costliest for offenders, with 295 cases generating ₹96,390 in fines. Meanwhile, Surat railway station reported the highest number of violations in the Mumbai division at 358, leading to ₹74,600 in penalties. Officials said the rise in cases is also linked to improved surveillance, including the deployment of additional staff and advanced CCTV systems at busy stations.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total cases (April 2026) | 2,657 |
| Total cases (April 2025) | 227 |
| Increase in cases | Nearly 12 times |
| Total fines (April 2026) | ₹5,37,850 |
| Total fines (April 2025) | ₹42,050 |
| Increase in fines | ~1,179% |