Indian Railways, the lifeline of India’s transportation system, is spending a staggering ₹1,200 crore every year just to clean gutkha stains from trains, platforms, and stations. To put this into perspective, this amount could nearly build ten Vande Bharat Express trains, highlighting the scale of this preventable expenditure.

Gutkha, a popular chewing tobacco mixed with areca nut and flavoring agents, leaves a red residue when spat publicly. Despite campaigns like Swachh Bharat and periodic cleanliness drives, these stains continue to plague railway property, creating both aesthetic and health hazards. During the monsoon, the mixture can spread diseases, further emphasizing the risks.

Authorities argue that the real problem lies in public behavior rather than insufficient cleaning efforts. Many believe if the same individuals were abroad, such habits would be unacceptable, pointing toward a broader societal issue regarding civic responsibility.

The ₹1,200 crore spent annually on cleaning could instead improve railway infrastructure, enhance passenger amenities, or upgrade safety features. Beyond the money, gutkha stains symbolize negligence, disrespect for public property, and the urgent need for behavioral change in society.