Delhi Metro’s Arpan Centres have collected more than 41 tonnes of discarded clothing for recycling and upcycling, turning part of the material into rugs, bags, pouches and folders while expanding the programme to more stations.
According to a report by the Times of India, 3,940 people had deposited 41,181.5 kg of old clothes at 10 Arpan Centres by August 31. The centres are located at Delhi Metro stations and have been established to provide a collection point for clothing that might otherwise enter the waste stream.
Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital Metro station recorded the highest collection, with 9,861.4 kg of clothes deposited. Shalimar Bagh followed with 9,761 kg. Punjabi Bagh West and Shahdara recorded collections of 6,534.9 kg and 6,386 kg, respectively.
Of the collected material, around 4,266 kg has been earmarked for reuse or upcycling, while 29,424 kg has been sent for recycling. The figures indicate that most of the material collected so far is being directed to recycling, with a smaller portion being prepared for conversion into new products.
The upcycled products are being made by self-help groups and displayed at the Arpan Centres. The products, including rugs, bags, pouches and folders, have together recorded sales of Rs 27,036, according to the report. This connects the clothing collection programme with both waste recovery and small-scale production by community groups.
Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta said the centres offer a practical solution for reusing old clothes. The programme’s design places collection points within the city’s existing metro network, allowing residents to deposit materials during their journeys through stations. The available figures show that participation has varied significantly between locations, with the four highest-collection centres accounting for a substantial share of the reported total.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has proposed 10 additional Arpan Centres at Model Town, INA, IP Extension, Paschim Vihar West, Rajendra Place, Janakpuri West, Rajouri Garden, Greater Kailash, Dwarka Sector 10 and Chhatarpur metro stations. The new centres are proposed to open in January 2027.
The expansion will take the initiative beyond its present 10 locations, although the report does not specify the total number of centres expected after the proposed additions or the capacity planned for each site. The next stated milestone is the proposed opening of the 10 new collection centres in January 2027.
