New Delhi, 01 October (H.S.): Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar on Thursday inspected the field trials of new electric vehicle (EV)-based mechanical road-sweeping machines (MRSMs) being tested by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) as part of preparations for the upcoming air-pollution season.

The machines have been airlifted to Delhi for field trials. They are part of a major project involving the deployment of a total of 70 MRSMs during the upcoming season, with financial assistance being provided by the Environment Department of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD).

During the inspection, the Municipal Commissioner assessed the functioning and operational capabilities of the machines. Under the project, 55 electric and 15 CNG-powered MRSMs will be deployed in Delhi for the first time. Imported from Europe, the self-propelled machines have sweeping capacities of 2 cubic metres and 4 cubic metres.

The machines are equipped with an additional third front brush, which significantly enhances their sweeping efficiency and enables more effective removal of road dust and debris. The MCD is making all necessary efforts to begin deploying the machines from mid-November 2026.

The airlifting of the machines is part of the MCD’s continued efforts to rapidly strengthen its mechanised sanitation system and enhance preparations for the upcoming air-pollution season. Through greater mechanisation of road-cleaning and sanitation operations, the MCD aims to improve road cleanliness and contribute to efforts to reduce dust-related air pollution in Delhi.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar