41 tonnes gone: Delhi Metro is turning your old clothes into something useful

Clothes Revival

More than 41,000 kg of old clothes have already landed at Delhi Metro’s Arpan centres, turning unwanted garments into a citywide experiment in reuse. Nearly 4,000 people have participated, but the bigger story is what happens to those clothes next.

Waste Reborn

Not every donated garment is heading for the recycling pile. About 4,266 kg has been earmarked for reuse or upcycling, with self-help groups transforming discarded fabric into rugs, bags, pouches, folders, key rings and torans.

₹27,036 Earned

The old clothes are not simply being collected and stored. Products made from donated material are being sold at the centres, generating ₹27,036 in sales so far and creating a small but visible market around discarded clothing.

Metro Dropoffs

Ten Arpan centres are currently operating across Delhi Metro stations, making clothing donation part of the daily commute. Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital recorded the highest collection at 9,861 kg, closely followed by Shalimar Bagh at 9,761 kg.

Bigger Network

Delhi's clothing-reuse experiment is about to expand. The government says 10 more Arpan centres are proposed for January 2027, including locations such as INA, Rajendra Place, Janakpuri West, Rajouri Garden and Greater Kailash.