A passenger on an express train near Hyderabad reported being hit by gutkha spit from a passing MMTS local train, triggering outrage and prompting railway officials to initiate an inquiry
A Hyderabad-based passenger has alleged that they were struck by gutkha spit from a passenger travelling on an MMTS local train while seated on an express train between 6:40 pm and 6:50 pm on June 28, 2026. The incident has sparked public outrage over hygiene violations on Indian Railways. South Central Railway has escalated the complaint to divisional officials, with CCTV-based identification and enforcement measures expected.
Hyderabad: A disturbing incident reported on the Hyderabad railway network has raised renewed concerns over passenger hygiene and enforcement of cleanliness rules after a commuter alleged being hit by gutkha spit from a passing MMTS local train while travelling on an express train.
The incident reportedly occurred between 6:40 pm and 6:50 pm on June 28, 2026, when the passenger, identified on social media as @needy_helping, claimed that a co-passenger on a moving MMTS train spat gutkha, which landed on them while both trains were in close proximity.
The passenger shared photographic evidence showing reddish-brown stains on clothing and tagged @RailMinIndia, @RailwaySeva, and @SCRailwayIndia, demanding identification of the train through CCTV footage and timetable tracking.
The complainant alleged that the act was not only unhygienic but also posed a serious public health concern, especially for passengers travelling on parallel or crossing railway routes in dense suburban corridors.
Railway users reacting to the post expressed concern over the recurring nature of such incidents, highlighting long-standing issues related to tobacco chewing and spitting on trains and platforms.
The incident has once again brought attention to enforcement challenges despite existing penalties under railway cleanliness rules.
“The act is not just disgusting but a serious hygiene and safety concern for passengers,” the complainant stated in their post.
Following the complaint, South Central Railway (SCR) acknowledged the matter and escalated it to divisional railway officials for further examination.
Officials are expected to review CCTV footage, train schedules, and route alignment data to determine the source of the alleged incident and identify the responsible individual or train.
Railway authorities have also indicated that enforcement teams may be deployed to strengthen monitoring in high-traffic suburban sections where MMTS and express trains operate in close proximity.
“The matter has been escalated to divisional officials for necessary verification and action,” railway sources said.
Under the Indian Railways (Penalties for Activities Affecting Cleanliness at Railway Premises) Rules, 2012, spitting, littering, and other unhygienic acts are strictly prohibited on trains and railway premises.
Violators can be fined up to ₹500, with enforcement handled by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), station masters, and authorised railway staff.
Officials conduct spot checks and issue challans to offenders caught violating cleanliness rules on platforms or inside trains.
Railway authorities have also conducted periodic nationwide cleanliness drives, during which significant fines have been collected for violations related to spitting and littering.
Despite strict regulations, gutkha-related spitting remains a persistent challenge for Indian Railways, particularly in suburban and high-density routes such as Hyderabad’s MMTS network.
Officials acknowledge that surveillance systems, including CCTV monitoring and flying squads, are used to detect violations, but enforcement remains difficult in fast-moving or closely running train corridors.
Railway data and past reports indicate that such violations also contribute significantly to cleanliness maintenance costs across the network.
“Enforcement is being strengthened through CCTV surveillance and special cleanliness drives,” railway officials noted.
The incident has triggered widespread discussion on social media, with users demanding stricter enforcement, higher penalties, and improved monitoring systems to prevent similar occurrences.
Several users pointed out that repeated violations of spitting rules undermine passenger safety and cleanliness standards in Indian Railways.
Authorities are expected to review the complaint further and take appropriate action based on the investigation findings.
