Rail Passengers Can Be Fined Up To Rs 500 For Not Wearing Masks, Spitting

This is the latest measure that the Railways has taken to ensure compliance of various COVID-19 protocols issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs to restrict the spread of the virus.

Not wearing masks on railway premises and in trains can attract a fine of up to Rs 500, with the national transporter now incorporating it as an offence under the Railway Act, according to an order issued on Saturday. This is the latest measure that the Railways has taken to ensure compliance of various COVID-19 protocols issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs to restrict the spread of the virus. "One of the specific guideline is to wear masks in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for movement of trains as brought out by Indian Railways on May 11, 2020, says that it should be advised to all passengers that they shall be wearing face cover/ mask at entry and during travel," order issued by the railways said. The mandatory use of masks and the fine will now be listed under the Indian Railways (Penalties for activities affecting cleanliness at Railway Premises) Rules, 2012, which also has the provision of fines for those found spitting on rail premises, it said.