Delhi's Railway Tracks: A Grim Picture of Persistent Neglect Amid Clean-Up Efforts
In New Delhi, railway tracks across the national capital present a stark and grim picture of neglect, lined with charred waste, discarded plastic, and rotting debris. This situation persists despite recent initiatives by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Indian Railways, which launched a special sanitation drive aimed at removing garbage from these tracks. The drive focuses on clearing construction and demolition debris, lifting legacy waste, and improving overall cleanliness in vulnerable areas.
Mixed Results from Sanitation Drives
However, dumping of garbage continues unabated in most areas, undermining these clean-up efforts. An inspection of the railway tracks reveals a mixed picture, with several stretches found in a deplorable condition—strewn with garbage and debris—while others appear relatively cleaner and better maintained. This inconsistency highlights the challenges in achieving sustained cleanliness.
Spot Visits Expose Widespread Issues
A spot visit by TOI on Thursday afternoon to areas near railway tracks in Kishanganj, Azadpur, Sabzi Mandi, and Daya Basti uncovered heaps of waste. At Kishanganj, burnt clothes, plastic, and debris were scattered across the tracks. Concrete sleepers and overgrown vegetation stood amid charred remains, indicating instances of open burning. The tracks run parallel to unauthorized houses, with several residents seen hanging clothes close to the area, further complicating maintenance efforts.
Challenges Faced by Maintenance Staff
A 54-year-old railway maintenance staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted the difficulties in carrying out duties due to garbage accumulation. "I have to maintain the tracks and check that no nut or bolt is loose for the smooth running of trains. Due to the garbage, I first have to remove the waste with my hands… It feels very dirty, but it is my job. Some workers do come to clean the area, but they often shift the garbage from one side to another. It is not a proper solution," he told TOI.
Urban Contrasts and Resident Concerns
In Azadpur, informal settlements along the tracks contribute to litter scattered along the rail corridor. Towering residential buildings in the background highlight the stark contrast between rapid urban development and the grim living conditions near the tracks. Amar Singh, a 45-year-old resident, noted that while large amounts of garbage have been cleared over time, indiscriminate dumping remains a major concern. "People going to their offices often throw household waste along the tracks. Some even consume alcohol here, which worsens the problem," he said.
Health Risks and Environmental Hazards
Near Sabzi Mandi station, waste and discarded materials blanket the sides of operational railway lines beneath overhead electric wires. Children were seen walking and playing near open dumping grounds, underscoring the environmental and health risks faced by residents living in the vicinity. This poses significant dangers, including fire hazards and pollution.
Areas of Improvement and Official Claims
In contrast, the area near the railway track in Daya Basti appeared relatively cleaner compared to other locations. Although some garbage was visible, the stretch showed noticeable improvement and better maintenance, suggesting that targeted efforts can yield positive results. Authorities claim significant progress has been made through the sanitation drive. An MCD official stated that the initiative is currently underway and will continue for the next three years. "We are committed to cleaning the tracks on a sustained basis. The garbage had accumulated over time due to a lack of regular cleaning, but the process is now in progress. All remaining and previously inaccessible stretches will also be cleared in the coming years," the official said.
Statistics and Resources Deployed
According to MCD, the initiative has covered nearly 103 kilometers, with about 18,500 metric tonnes of legacy waste removed. So far, 49.7 kilometers of garbage-affected tracks have been cleared across 123 stretches. The civic body noted that inaccessible tracks were cleaned using 20 railway bogies in the Karol Bagh zone, while the railway stretch from Azadpur to Badli has been completely cleared. To support the operation, authorities deployed:
- 550 sanitation workers
- 34 tippers
- 14 rickshaws
- 28 trucks
- 11 JCBs
- 9 refuse compactors
- 7 other vehicles
Additionally, 61 twin bins were installed along these stretches to discourage dumping by residents of nearby jhuggi clusters, aiming to foster better waste management practices.
Need for Sustained Efforts and Public Cooperation
Residents acknowledge that cleanliness drives are underway and the situation has improved in some areas, but they emphasize that sustained efforts and public cooperation are necessary to address the root causes of dumping. Without ongoing vigilance and community involvement, the cycle of neglect may continue, threatening both urban aesthetics and public health.
