500 Rupees Fine for Spitting and Littering at Bandra Station as Authorities Step Up Cleanliness Drive

Mumbai – While Bandra railway station is currently glowing with colours and culture thanks to the ongoing Bandra Station Mahotsav, authorities are taking strict action against those who are tarnishing its beauty. A fine of ₹500 will now be charged from anyone caught spitting or littering at the station — part of a larger effort to improve cleanliness and protect the station’s rich heritage.

The fine amount was earlier ₹200 but was increased to ₹500 in February this year. Since then, railway officials have registered over 2,300 cases of spitting and littering between April 2024 and January 2025, collecting close to ₹6 lakh in fines.

Fresh Paans, Old Problem

This action comes after senior Western Railway (WR) officials visited Bandra station earlier this month, only to find fresh red paan stains on the freshly cleaned walls. This was particularly disappointing because the station is not only a functional transport hub but also a Grade I heritage site from the Victorian era, built in 1888.

Despite the festive vibe brought in by the Mahotsav — with cultural shows, art exhibitions and music — the station’s look is being ruined by irresponsible citizens who spit and litter in public places. “Even during the celebrations, we found red stains on the walls. We had already instructed contractors to keep the place clean,” said a senior WR official.

Tighter Rules and Action on the Ground
 

To tackle this, the Railways is giving ticket checkers receipt books to issue spot fines of ₹500. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also been told to take strict action against offenders. Officials say that just cleaning is not enough if passenger behaviour doesn’t change.

The decision to re-enforce these rules was officially taken during the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting held on July 10. Here, several passenger representatives raised concerns about cleanliness, beggars, and loitering on platforms.

One of the committee members, Rajiv Singhal, said, “We asked railway officials to take action against those who make public spaces dirty. We’ve also been informed that more CCTV cameras will be installed inside trains to monitor such behaviour.”

 

Short Staff, Big Problems

One major concern is the lack of enough cleaning staff. To save costs, contractors are deploying fewer workers. As a result, corners of platforms, tracks, and toilets are often left uncleaned. The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Pankaj Singh, also visited Bandra station recently and was reportedly unhappy with the current state of cleanliness. He pulled up contractors and instructed them to improve their performance.

A senior official said, “We have seen that poor manpower and careless behaviour by commuters are making things worse. We will now focus on penalising those who litter, so that it becomes a habit for people to keep their surroundings clean.”

Bandra Station Mahotsav: A Cultural Touch to the Tracks

 

Amidst these efforts to improve hygiene, the Bandra Station Mahotsav, which began on July 5, is bringing colour and joy to the station. The festival started with a lively performance by African drummers, and features competitions, exhibitions, and cultural shows aimed at connecting the community with the station’s rich past.

Here are some highlights of the Mahotsav:

• A commemorative postal cover will be released on July 27 during the closing ceremony.
• Vlogging contests, art and craft competitions, and local cultural performances are being held.
• In the “Purani Yaadein” contest, people can send in their old photos, videos, or voice clips related to Bandra station.
• The deadline for all submissions is July 20.
   

The event is not just about celebration, but also about respecting and preserving a legacy.
 

A Heritage Site Worth Saving
 

Bandra Station is a Grade I heritage structure, protected under the Maharashtra Government’s 1995 heritage regulations. The station was originally opened in 1864, with the current structure built in 1888. Its Victorian Gothic design, complete with arched windows, gabled roofs, and traditional Indian detailing, makes it one of the most iconic railway stations in the country.

Thousands of commuters use the station every day. While the authorities are doing their bit through fines, cleaning, and cultural events, the public also needs to join in by respecting this national treasure and helping keep it clean.

Bottom line?

Spitting or littering might cost you ₹500 now — but the real price is losing the beauty and legacy of a piece of Mumbai’s living history.