Despite repeated warnings and awareness campaigns against littering, a senior official from the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) was caught on camera throwing garbage from a moving train. The incident quickly went viral, sparking outrage among citizens.

As soon as the video surfaced, Indian Railways took immediate action. On February 27, the same day the act was committed, the concerned official was removed from duty. 

Indian Railways has been actively promoting the “Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat” campaign, urging passengers and staff to maintain hygiene and avoid littering. However, such irresponsible behaviour from a senior official contradicts these efforts. 

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Public Reaction 

The incident drew sharp criticism from the public, with many calling for stricter penalties for railway staff violating cleanliness norms. 

An X user argued that littering and lack of cleanliness are not due to poverty, lack of education, or financial constraints but are ingrained in cultural habits.

“This is our culture. That’s why, whether it’s a rich colony or a poor colony, you will find it dirty. It has nothing to do with education, money, or anything else—it’s our culture. A millionaire MLA eats gutkha and spits in the assembly, just like a roadside vendor eats gutkha and spits at the railway station. Even areas within 1 km of big temples are dirty. Why? Because it’s our culture. Otherwise, throwing garbage in a dustbin doesn’t require money, education, or anything else,” wrote a user on X.

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Another user strongly criticised Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, for inefficiency in tackling railway cleanliness and safety issues.  “Said many times @AshwiniVaishnaw  isn’t the man for the job. It would take a few months to put cctv in all trains and stations. Catch litters / spitting idiots / stone throwers etc and fine. But no, his sitting on his arse doing nothing,” another user added.