In a major push for sustainable urban living, cities across India are integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into household waste collection systems under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U). This transition from diesel-powered garbage trucks to zero-emission electric vehicles marks a significant step towards cleaner air, reduced noise pollution, and more efficient waste management.
🚛 Guntur Leads with 200+ Electric Autos
Guntur in Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a trailblazer by deploying over 200 electric autos for door-to-door garbage collection. Backed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this move under the Sustainable Cities Integrated Pilot Approach (SCIAP) is helping eliminate the need for over 71,000 litres of diesel annually, cutting 21,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next decade.
Each EV is fitted with GPS tracking for real-time monitoring, covering the city’s 159 sq. km efficiently. The project has also created local jobs and reduced maintenance costs, demonstrating that adopting green practices is not only environmentally friendly but also economically sound.
Chennai Runs the Largest Green Fleet
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) now operates a fleet of 5,478 battery-operated e-rickshaws, serving over 2.1 million households across 24,621 streets. These EVs are specially designed for waste segregation, carrying separate bins for wet, dry, and hazardous waste.
Traveling approximately 40 km per day, the e-rickshaws help cut down 15,160 tons of carbon emissions annually. They also promote awareness by using onboard audio systems to spread messages about source-level waste segregation, while generating employment for over 6,000 people.
Indore Integrates Solar Charging
Indore Municipal Corporation has introduced 100 electric vehicles for waste collection, replacing diesel trucks and aiming to reduce 24,918 tons of CO₂ emissions per year. These EVs are linked to the Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC) for real-time GPS monitoring.
To support sustainable energy use, 20 solar charging stations have been set up, each with 10kW solar panels generating up to 1,000 units of power daily, capable of charging 80–100 vehicles per day. The switch is expected to save the corporation ₹5.97 crore annually in fuel and maintenance costs.
A Greener Future, One City at a Time
These inspiring examples from Guntur, Chennai, and Indore show how Indian cities are taking bold steps toward eco-friendly urban transformation. By blending electric mobility, renewable energy, and digital technology, these cities are not only achieving garbage-free cities but also setting benchmarks in urban sustainability and public health.
