Indian Railways on April 17 said a fine of Rs 500 will be charged from those passengers who do not wear masks on railway premises and trains.
The order comes into effect immediately, it said.
“Indian Railways is taking various measures to contain the spread of the resurgence of Covid-19 pandemic, in accordance with the guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Home Affairs from time to time. One of the specific guideline is to wear masks in order to contain the spread of the pandemic,” Neeraj Sharma, Executive Director, Passenger Marketing, Railway Board, wrote in a letter addressed to General Managers of Railway zones.
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.