MCD clears 18,495 MT waste from railway tracks

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has cleared 18,495 Metric Tonnes (MT) of waste from railway tracks across the city, covering nearly half of the total 102.9 km stretch in a major sanitation drive carried out in coordination with railway authorities.

Officials said around 49.74 km of railway tracks have been cleaned so far as part of the mission-mode operation launched to tackle long-standing garbage accumulation along key rail corridors. The waste had built up over time due to indiscriminate dumping by nearby settlements, creating sanitation issues and affecting the city’s image.

A total of 123 locations were identified jointly by MCD and railway authorities for targeted intervention. Zonal officers from the MCD and nodal officers from the railways were deployed to ensure smooth coordination and execution of the drive.

The total waste burden across these sites was estimated to be between 18,000 and 20,000 metric tonnes. MCD has already removed the bulk of it, reflecting significant progress in the clean-up effort. Among different zones, Karol Bagh and Keshavpuram emerged as top performers, each clearing nearly 4,100 metric tonnes of waste. The City SP Zone followed with approximately 2,703 metric tonnes removed.

One of the most challenging stretches was located near Prem Nagar in the Karol Bagh Zone. The Zakhira stretch, where multiple railway lines converge, posed logistical difficulties for waste removal. Officials addressed the challenge by deploying 20 railway wagons, enabling large-scale evacuation of garbage from the site. In another major development, a legacy waste site near Azadpur Railway Station in Keshavpuram Zone has been completely cleared. The area has now been converted into a usable open space, improving the local environment.

To carry out the operation, MCD deployed more than 550 additional sanitation workers. The workforce was supported by a fleet of machinery, including 34 tippers, 28 Hyva trucks, 11 JCB machines, 9 refuse compactors, 7 Tata 407 vehicles, and 14 e-rickshaws.

Officials said the effort was not limited to waste removal. Measures have also been taken to prevent future dumping along railway tracks. As part of this, 61 twin dustbins have been installed at strategic locations to encourage proper waste disposal. In addition, awareness campaigns are being conducted to discourage open dumping and promote responsible sanitation practices among residents living near railway lines.

MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar said the drive reflects a sustained commitment to improving Delhi’s sanitation landscape. He said railway corridors are among the most visible entry points into the city, and their cleanliness is a priority. He added that the focus is not only on removing legacy waste but also on putting systems in place to prevent its recurrence.

These include infrastructure improvements and public awareness initiatives. The large-scale clean-up has led to visible improvement along several railway stretches. Officials said the effort will continue until all identified locations are cleared.