Delhi to Get 1,000 Battery-Powered Waste Collection Machines to Improve Street Cleaning

New Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched a trial of modern battery-operated waste collection machines in eight wards of the Keshavpuram Zone, marking a new step towards upgrading the capital's sanitation system.

Under the proposed plan, the civic body intends to deploy 1,000 machines across all 250 wards of Delhi, with four machines allocated to each ward. The initiative aims to speed up garbage collection and improve cleanliness on roads, in markets and in narrow neighbourhood lanes.

Vacuum Technology to Make Waste Collection Easier

The machines are equipped with vacuum technology and specially designed suction pipes that can collect lightweight waste scattered across roads and public spaces. These include empty plastic bottles, paper cups, food wrappers, dry leaves and other small pieces of litter.

Unlike larger road-cleaning vehicles, the compact battery-powered machines are designed to operate in narrow streets, crowded markets and commercial areas where conventional cleaning equipment often faces access limitations.

How Will the New Machines Help Sanitation Workers?

The MCD expects the machines to reduce the physical effort required from sanitation workers while allowing them to cover larger areas in less time. Their compact design could make routine cleaning more efficient, particularly in locations where manual collection remains necessary.

Trial Marks Progress Towards Citywide Deployment

The machines were inaugurated by the Delhi Chief Minister on October 17, 2026. The trial, now underway in eight wards, will help the civic body assess their operational performance and practical usefulness before expanding the initiative.

If the trial proves successful, the planned deployment of 1,000 machines could strengthen waste collection across Delhi's residential streets, marketplaces and other public spaces.