Parliament Question: Impact of waste accumulation

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3327 ANSWERED ON 20.03.2026 IMPACT OF WASTE ACCUMULATION 3327 SHRI MUKUL BALKRISHNA WASNIK: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has assessed the adverse effects of accumulated municipal waste on track maintenance, specifically track corrosion, drainage blockage and passenger health and safety; (b) if so, the details thereof and steps taken by Government to mitigate environment and cleanliness challenges on lands adjacent to railway tracks; (c) whether a joint mechanism with urban local bodies has been established for regular waste collection; and (d) if so, the details thereof and number of urban corridors currently covered under this mechanism? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (d) Railway is regularly coordinating with urban local bodies to clean garbage, muck and construction debris from railway land near tracks. The concerned municipalities and local bodies are regularly advised to prevent local residents from dumping garbage near railway tracks. Further, in garbage prone areas and heavily trespassing locations, boundary walls have been constructed to prevent it. Warning-cum-sensitization boards have also been erected at certain locations to desist from throwing garbage in Railway land. Cleanliness drives and general awareness campaigns etc. are also launched from time to time in such areas. ***** §