As part of a major effort to modernise the city's sanitation system, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to induct 988 state-of-the-art waste collection vehicles.
The move is aimed at bringing about a radical change in the way waste is managed across Mumbai.
The large-scale modernisation is designed to replace the existing fleet of old green compactors with more efficient and high-capacity vehicles.
Mumbai generates around 7,000 tonnes of waste every day and officials believe that the new fleet will significantly improve collection and transportation efficiency.
According to a report in the Times of India, a key feature of the initiative is the induction of 144 electric vehicles (EVs), which is a major step towards reducing carbon emissions from waste management operations in the city.
The change is in line with broader efforts to make civic services more sustainable and eco-friendly.
The new vehicles will be equipped with improved engineering features to address long-standing issues like leakage and foul smell during transportation.
With a special hydraulic closing system and reinforced flooring, these trucks are designed to prevent sewage from spilling onto the road, thereby keeping the surroundings cleaner and maintaining better health.
The capacity of the entire fleet has also been increased. This includes vehicles ranging from small vehicles weighing 600 kg for narrow lanes to large compactors capable of carrying up to 7 tonnes.
Apart from the operational improvements, BMC has taken measures to improve the working conditions of sanitation workers.
For the first time, the driver’s cabin will be air-conditioned, which will provide comfort while working for long hours in extremely adverse weather conditions.
The vehicles will also have front and rear cameras, which will enable real-time monitoring and improve accountability in waste collection.
The entire fleet will be given a new blue-and-white colour scheme to replace the current green compactors, and the scheme is expected to be implemented in a phased manner, with the aim of fully operationalising it by September.
The initiative, costing an estimated Rs 4,000 crore, is one of the most extensive improvements to Mumbai's waste management infrastructure in recent years.
It also signals a shift towards a cleaner, more efficient and technology-based system.
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