Bengaluru, July 30: The South Western Railway (SWR) has launched a coordinated cleanliness and enforcement campaign to tackle the growing problem of illegal garbage and construction debris being dumped on railway land across Bengaluru. The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and the city’s civic corporations, aims to clear accumulated waste along railway corridors over the next two months while preventing future violations.
Railway officials have warned that strict legal action, including penalties, will be taken against individuals, contractors, and organizations found dumping waste on railway property. Authorities said indiscriminate dumping has become a serious concern, not only affecting cleanliness but also posing risks to railway operations and public safety. Garbage heaps and construction debris have, on several occasions, led to fires that damaged signalling and electrical cables, disrupting train services.
The campaign will focus on major rail corridors, including the Bengaluru–Mysuru and Bengaluru–Hosur routes, where large volumes of waste have accumulated. Officials noted that repeated dumping often blurs railway boundaries, increasing the risk of encroachment on railway land. As part of the drive, unauthorized access points used for dumping waste will be identified and sealed to prevent further violations.
A recent review meeting chaired jointly by Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna and Karnataka’s Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda emphasized closer coordination between railway authorities and civic agencies. The meeting also called for scientific waste disposal methods, removal of debris along tracks, and stronger monitoring to ensure long-term cleanliness.
Officials have appealed to residents and commercial establishments to dispose of waste responsibly and report instances of illegal dumping. The South Western Railway said the initiative is part of a broader effort to protect railway infrastructure, improve environmental conditions, and ensure safer operations for passengers and freight services across Bengaluru.
