Western Railway has cleared more than 1,200 cubic metres of waste from the tracks near Mahim station over the past two months, following a substantial fine of Rs 1.6 crore imposed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
The action came after regulatory authorities flagged unchecked garbage accumulation around the rail yard, prompting national scrutiny and a judicial directive from the National Green Tribunal. The clean-up involved more than 100 truckloads of garbage and was conducted through night-time operations deploying muck-clearing trains and earthmovers. The initiative marks one of the most rigorous efforts by a public transport body in recent times to tackle urban waste and reclaim vital rail infrastructure. As part of the ongoing preventive measures, tall barricades made from durable moulded composite materials are now being installed at key points near slum settlements adjoining the railway corridor. Estimated to cost around Rs 36 lakh, these installations are intended to deter unauthorised dumping and protect railway land from further misuse.
In parallel, awareness campaigns through street plays on cleanliness have been launched to engage the public. Additional infrastructure such as concrete dustbins has been placed strategically along the tracks to encourage proper waste disposal. A sanitation contract worth Rs 59 lakh was also initiated in March, under which 25 to 30 personnel are deployed daily to manage waste on the ground. The railway has also sought logistical support from municipal authorities to ensure that garbage collected is promptly lifted and disposed of, highlighting the collaborative nature required for sustainable urban management.
The fine imposed by the state pollution board was challenged by the railway division, which argued that the littering was primarily due to nearby informal settlements and that the penalty lacked sufficient justification. However, the tribunal had already directed the railway authorities to deposit 25 per cent of the fine within six weeks. The matter is now under legal review and will come up for hearing again later this month.
This episode underscores the systemic challenges in India’s urban infrastructure, particularly in megacities like Mumbai where the convergence of transport corridors, unregulated settlements, and weak civic enforcement often results in chronic waste mismanagement. While the railway’s rapid action may offer a temporary reprieve, sustained change will require deeper integration between government bodies, infrastructure providers, and residents.
The Mahim clean-up is a strong reminder of the environmental cost of administrative neglect and civic apathy. Whether this momentum can be sustained beyond one station will determine if Indian cities are genuinely moving towards their vision of cleaner, equitable, and carbon-conscious urban spaces.
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Mahim station tracks cleaned after massive fine by pollution control board
