Delhi Metro’s Arpan Centres have collected 41,181.5 kg of old clothes from 3,940 people for recycling and upcycling, with 10 additional centres proposed to open by January 2027.
The collection was recorded across 10 Arpan Centres located at Delhi Metro stations, where discarded clothes are being channelled into recycling and the production of reusable goods. The upcycled material has been converted into rugs, bags, pouches and folders for sale.
According to figures reported by the Times of India, the data was recorded up to August 31. Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital station recorded the highest collection at 9,861.4 kg, followed by Shalimar Bagh with 9,761 kg. Punjabi Bagh West collected 6,534.9 kg, while Shahdara recorded 6,386 kg.
Of the total material collected, around 4,266 kg has been earmarked for reuse or upcycling. Another 29,424 kg has been sent for recycling. The figures indicate that most of the collected clothing has entered the recycling stream, while a smaller portion is being processed into products that can be used or sold.
The upcycled goods are being made by self-help groups and displayed at the Arpan Centres. Sales of these products have so far totalled Rs 27,036, according to the report. The initiative therefore combines collection points within the public transport network with recycling and livelihood-linked production.
Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta said the centres offer a practical solution for reusing old clothes. The centres allow passengers and other residents to deposit clothing at metro stations rather than discard it with regular waste, although the supplied report does not specify the collection schedule, processing partners or the final destination of the recycled material.
Ten more Arpan Centres have been proposed 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 proposed locations would extend the programme across additional parts of the capital’s metro network.
The new centres are proposed to open in January 2027. The authorities have not provided, in the reported information, further details on the implementation timeline, operating arrangements or the volume targets for the proposed expansion.
