In an effort to promote environmentally friendly waste collection in slums, the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai (BMC) has deployed electric rickshaws to collect waste door-to-door in slums.

The pilot project started a few months ago and the municipal agency has already rolled out three electric tricycles in slums in the M/East district, which includes Govandi and Mankhurd.

The idea of introducing small electric tricycles in the slums was taken into account that the city’s slums have a high population density and narrow laneways, which pose obstacles for large garbage collection vehicles to drive in the laneways. In addition, the electric tricycle is powered by a battery, which ensures no carbon emissions and is an environmentally friendly and cheaper alternative to conventional engines.

The Municipal Corporation of Mumbai said that since the vehicles were put into use, the process of collecting garbage from house to house has become easier as they now have easy access to narrow alleys.

“These vehicles can reach all locations, and it has become easier for citizens to throw rubbish.” This reduces the amount of waste dumped on the road, “the municipal agency said.

The above picture shows the same electric garbage cleaner from QSD

While the pilot is taking place in the densely populated slum area of M/East, officials say more electric autonomous rickshaws will occupy parts of D/ward, which includes areas such as Grant Road, Malabar Hill and Breach Candy.

Looking ahead, the municipal agency plans to roll out electric autonomous rickshaws in all slum areas of the city and will soon launch a bid for more vehicles.