+
EVs Power Clean Cities Under Swachh Bharat Mission
WATER & WASTE

EVs Power Clean Cities Under Swachh Bharat Mission

The Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) is witnessing a major shift as electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly being integrated into municipal waste collection systems. The government announced that the transition to zero-emission EVs in daily garbage collection is revolutionising urban sanitation by reducing carbon emissions, air pollution, and noise, while supporting the mission’s goal of creating garbage-free cities.

In Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, over 200 electric autos have replaced conventional diesel-powered trucks for door-to-door waste collection. Backed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), these EVs — equipped with GPS tracking — cover more than 159 square kilometres. This initiative cuts down diesel use by over 71,000 litres annually, potentially reducing 21,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over ten years.

In Chennai, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has deployed 5,478 battery-operated e-rickshaws across 15 zones, servicing over 2.1 million households across 24,621 streets. These e-rickshaws, travelling around 40 km daily, are helping reduce 41 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per day, totalling 15,160 tonnes annually. The programme also generates employment for over 6,000 people. Additionally, onboard audio systems are used to spread awareness about waste segregation and cleanliness.

Similarly, the Indore Municipal Corporation has rolled out 100 e-vehicles for waste collection, replacing diesel trucks and generating estimated annual savings of around Rs 59.7 million. The city has also set up 20 solar-powered charging stations fitted with 10 kW solar panels, capable of producing 800–1,000 units of energy per day, supporting charging for up to 100 vehicles daily.

According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, these initiatives reflect a strong synergy between clean mobility and sustainable waste management, contributing significantly to the country’s climate goals and urban renewal efforts.

The Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) is witnessing a major shift as electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly being integrated into municipal waste collection systems. The government announced that the transition to zero-emission EVs in daily garbage collection is revolutionising urban sanitation by reducing carbon emissions, air pollution, and noise, while supporting the mission’s goal of creating garbage-free cities.In Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, over 200 electric autos have replaced conventional diesel-powered trucks for door-to-door waste collection. Backed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), these EVs — equipped with GPS tracking — cover more than 159 square kilometres. This initiative cuts down diesel use by over 71,000 litres annually, potentially reducing 21,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over ten years.In Chennai, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has deployed 5,478 battery-operated e-rickshaws across 15 zones, servicing over 2.1 million households across 24,621 streets. These e-rickshaws, travelling around 40 km daily, are helping reduce 41 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per day, totalling 15,160 tonnes annually. The programme also generates employment for over 6,000 people. Additionally, onboard audio systems are used to spread awareness about waste segregation and cleanliness.Similarly, the Indore Municipal Corporation has rolled out 100 e-vehicles for waste collection, replacing diesel trucks and generating estimated annual savings of around Rs 59.7 million. The city has also set up 20 solar-powered charging stations fitted with 10 kW solar panels, capable of producing 800–1,000 units of energy per day, supporting charging for up to 100 vehicles daily.According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, these initiatives reflect a strong synergy between clean mobility and sustainable waste management, contributing significantly to the country’s climate goals and urban renewal efforts.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Reliable Energy Storage Vital for 24/7 Renewable Power: TKIL

Reliable, scalable, and efficient energy storage systems are essential to ensuring uninterrupted renewable energy supply, said engineering firm TKIL Industries at the India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025.India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity within the next five years.Speaking at IESW, organised by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), Vivek Bhatia, Managing Director and CEO of TKIL Industries, emphasised that the country’s energy sector is experiencing a major transformation. This shift is being driven by innovations in storage technology, aimed at improving grid re..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

IIT Madras, Hyundai Launch £17m Hydrogen Research Centre

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) have announced the establishment of the Hyundai HTWO Innovation Centre, a cutting-edge hydrogen research facility set to begin operations by 2026.The Rs 180 crore (approx. £17 million or USD 21.5 million) project will be located at IIT Madras' Discovery Campus in Thaiyur, near Chennai. Of the total, Rs 100 crore (approx. £9.4 million) has been committed by HMIL and its philanthropic arm, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), with support from the Government of Tamil Nadu and its investment promotion ag..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

India’s Hydrogen Demand to Hit 8.8 MTPA by 2032: IESA Report

India’s hydrogen demand is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3 per cent, reaching 8.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2032, according to a report released by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA).Unveiled on the first day of the India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025, the report points out a gap between ambitious project announcements and actual progress. While green hydrogen (GH₂) projects totalling 9.2 MTPA have been announced, only a limited number have reached Final Investment Decision (FID) or secured long-term domestic or international offtake agreemen..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?