Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to shift its garbage collection fleet to electric vehicles (EVs), as the corporation is planning to purchase 250 new EVs, including 200 mini garbage collection vehicles and 50 electric cars for official use.
According to BMC’s transport department currently, the corporation operates a fleet of total 435 vehicles for garbage collection and cleaning, comprising of over 290 CNG and 140 diesel-powered vehicles.
However, the directive from the Urban Administration and Housing Department which was issued by the end of year 2023 mandates a gradual shift to EVs across municipal bodies to curb pollution and cut operational costs.
Until now, BMC had been converting diesel vehicles to CNG and had purchased 295 CNG vehicles under a grant from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). Last year, under an exemption clause, 125 new CNG vehicles were also procured. But with the new policy in effect, future vehicle purchases will prioritise EVs exclusively.
The amended MP Electric Vehicle Policy now makes it mandatory for municipal corporations, municipalities and Nagar Panchayats to adopt electric vehicles. The policy shift is expected to reduce air pollution, improve public health and enhance financial stability of urban local bodies.
Transition aligned with environmental goals, fiscal savings
Mayor-in-Council (MIC) member Rajesh Hingorani confirmed that the transition is aligned with environmental goals and fiscal savings. ‘BMC will now only purchase electric vehicles, including garbage carriers, to save both the environment and fuel expenses,’ he stated.
‘Using EVs will bring significant savings’
‘Using electric vehicles will bring significant savings,’ BMC transport officials said explaining the mathematics of savings. ‘As diesel vehicles cost about Rs 1k per day and CNG vehicles cost around Rs 400, EVs will cost only Rs 50 to 100 per day. The corporation can save average of
Rs 700 to 800 per vehicle per day by using EVs which will lead to a monthly savings of nearly Rs 1 crore.’
