As Mumbai braces for worsening air quality during the winter months, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a high-tech drive to reduce pollution levels across the city. The civic body has floated e-tenders for the design, supply, commissioning, and one-year operation of vehicle-mounted multipurpose dust suppression systems.

These battery-operated vehicles, equipped with suction, sprinkler, and fogging technology, are designed to capture and suppress dust and particulate matter in high-traffic areas. The first phase will see the deployment of 12 such vehicles, at a cost of Rs 750 million (Rs 75 crore), in critical pollution hotspots such as the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and the Western Express Highway (WEH).

Civic experts note that Mumbai’s air quality deteriorates during winter due to low wind speeds, which trap pollutants closer to the ground. Each new vehicle will feature an integrated sweeper system that collects dust particles and stores them in onboard chambers. Once full, the collected dust will be transferred to municipal waste vans and sent to BMC debris processing centres for recycling.

“This initiative not only tackles air pollution directly but also aligns with the city’s broader sustainability goals by integrating waste management and eco-friendly technology,” said a senior BMC official.

The battery-powered systems will produce minimal emissions, supporting Mumbai’s wider objective of building a low-carbon, sustainable urban environment. The project’s contract includes a six-month supply timeline and a one-year maintenance period to allow for performance evaluation and efficiency monitoring.

Once operational, these vehicles will complement Mumbai’s existing pollution control efforts — including road cleaning, tree plantation drives, and vehicular emission checks — to form an integrated urban air management system.

Officials also plan to expand the fleet and integrate its operations with metro and bus terminals, creating a more holistic approach to air quality management. Experts believe the initiative represents a forward-thinking model of urban governance that merges technology, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency.

By adopting international best practices and green mobility solutions, Mumbai aims to transition towards a cleaner, low-emission cityscape. The introduction of these vehicles marks a crucial step towards building a zero-carbon, eco-friendly transport ecosystem that directly translates into improved public health and quality of life.