Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to shift to electric vehicles (EVs) for garbage collection. The corporation will buy 250 new EVs in its next phase of vehicle purchases. This decision aims to cut fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the financial health of the civic body.
Currently, BMC operates 435 garbage vehicles. Of these, 290 run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and 140 run on diesel. Earlier, BMC had moved from diesel to CNG. It bought 295 CNG vehicles with help from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). In 2024, another 125 CNG vehicles were added under a policy exemption.
Now, the focus has shifted to electric vehicles. Government policies at both the state and national levels are pushing for cleaner transport options. In 2023, the Urban Administration and Housing Department issued guidelines promoting EV use to reduce pollution and operating costs. The revised Madhya Pradesh Electric Vehicle Policy has also made EVs mandatory for all urban local bodies, including municipal corporations and nagar panchayats.
BMC officials say switching to EVs will lead to major savings. Diesel vehicles currently cost around Rs 1,000 per day to operate. CNG vehicles cost about Rs 400. In contrast, an EV costs only Rs 50 to 100 per day. This means each EV can save BMC between Rs 700 to 800 daily. Across the fleet, this could lead to monthly savings of up to Rs 1 crore.
The savings come mainly from lower fuel and maintenance costs. EVs have fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes, reducing upkeep expenses. They also help cut the city’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Rajesh Hingorani, a member of the Mayor-in-Council, confirmed the shift. “BMC will now purchase only electric vehicles, including for garbage collection. The goal is to save fuel, cut pollution, and improve the financial condition of the corporation,” he said.
This move also aims to set an example for citizens. By adopting EVs, BMC hopes to encourage more people to consider electric vehicles for personal use.
The new fleet will be rolled out in phases. Once the purchase is complete, BMC expects to see a sharp drop in fuel use, better air quality, and more cost-effective waste management.
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