MCD Launches Comprehensive Three-Year Initiative to Clean Delhi's Railway Tracks
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has embarked on a significant drive to address the longstanding issue of waste accumulation along railway corridors in the capital. In a coordinated effort with Indian Railways, the civic body is rolling out three-year tenders for the weekly cleaning of railway tracks across all districts and zones.
Institutionalizing the Cleaning Process with Long-Term Contracts
A senior MCD official explained that to institutionalize the cleaning process, three-year tenders are being issued systematically. Tenders have already been finalized in four zones, with the remaining zones currently in the process of issuing them. This structured approach aims to ensure sustained and effective waste management along the 123 kilometers of railway tracks operated by Indian Railways in Delhi.
Establishing Designated Garbage Collection Points
A key component of this initiative is the establishment of designated garbage collection points on railway land. "MCD will work closely with the railways to identify locations along railway tracks where garbage can be collected at designated points before being lifted by the civic body," the official stated. These collection points are expected to:
- Streamline the waste removal process
- Prevent further accumulation of legacy waste
- Provide organized disposal sites for residents and businesses
The locations for these points will be decided through consultations with residents, local councillors, and railway authorities, ensuring community involvement in the planning process.
Introducing Community Partnership Model
For the first time, MCD is implementing a community partnership model that actively involves local councillors in the waste management effort. Under this model:
- Councillors will play an active role in preventing residents from dumping construction and demolition debris or other waste along the tracks
- They will participate in public awareness drives highlighting the environmental and health risks associated with dumping waste on railway land
- They will help sensitize residents of colonies located adjacent to railway tracks about proper waste disposal practices
Ambitious Targets and Current Progress
Officials revealed that while the cleaning drive is already underway, MCD is strengthening the exercise by setting an ambitious target of removing nearly 10,000 tonnes of garbage from stations and tracks within 10 days. This accelerated effort comes in response to the significant waste accumulation along many stretches of railway tracks that pass through slums and JJ colonies.
Due to the historical absence of designated disposal points and regular monitoring, these areas have often turned into dumping sites for household waste and construction debris. According to approximate estimates, over 15,000 metric tonnes of waste were lying in these areas, out of which around 5,000 metric tonnes have been cleared in recent weeks.
Deployment of Resources for Effective Implementation
To support this massive cleaning operation, MCD has deployed substantial resources including:
- 145 vehicles comprising trucks, auto-tippers, Hyvas, and JCB machines
- Approximately 800 sanitation workers dedicated to the railway track cleaning initiative
This comprehensive approach represents a significant step toward addressing the environmental and public health concerns associated with waste accumulation along Delhi's railway corridors, while establishing sustainable systems for ongoing maintenance and cleanliness.
