Ludhiana, Jan. 3 -- Northern Railway has imposed a penalty of Rs.60,000 on the pay-and-use toilet contractor at Ludhiana railway station after repeated complaints about illegal charges and unhygienic conditions exposed serious lapses at one of the region's busiest stations.

The action follows three passenger complaints lodged via Rail Madad portal on November 26, December 9, and December 12, which highlighted that the contractor was charging Rs.5 even for urinals, in violation of the Railway Board guidelines, while maintaining filthy facilities.

According to an official letter issued by the Northern Railway, Ferozepur Cantt, an inquiry conducted by the Ferozepur division confirmed the violations. The contractor had violated Para 20(c) o...