Pune: In a proactive move to prevent water-logging during the upcoming monsoon season, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced a major initiative involving the acquisition of 13 high-capacity sewer-cleaning vehicles. The civic body is investing ₹95 crore in this project, with payments to be made in installments to reduce the financial strain.
Responding to public scrutiny over the cost, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale clarified that the funds would be released in stages rather than in a single payment. In a communication to the Directorate of Municipal Administration, Dr. Bhosale confirmed that payments will coincide with the delivery and commissioning of the vehicles.
PMC plans to lease the equipment—including sewer suction and jetting machines—for a duration of seven years. Of the 13 vehicles ordered, eight are large-capacity trucks weighing 18.5 tonnes, while the remaining five fall in the 7 to 8-tonne category.
For the current fiscal year, ₹13 crore has been earmarked, and two vehicles are expected to arrive during this period. The smaller vehicles are priced at ₹1.25 crore each, while the larger ones are estimated at ₹2.5 crore apiece. If purchased outright, the total expenditure would have been approximately ₹20 crore, with maintenance costs projected at ₹5 crore annually. These machines have a service life of 10 to 12 years.
Initially, the Directorate of Municipal Administration had instructed PMC to procure the vehicles without floating tenders. Two vehicles have already been provided at no cost to the municipality. However, the PMC has now decided against making advance payments for future deliveries.
Dr. Bhosale stated, “Funds will be released in phases throughout the financial year. Upon the complete delivery of all 13 vehicles, any further payments for additional equipment will be made according to the terms outlined in the approved tender. A separate agreement will be signed between PMC and the Directorate to streamline billing at tendered rates.”
Each vehicle will be rented at ₹26,000 for one eight-hour shift, including a four-member operating team. As the vehicles are expected to function in two daily shifts, the total daily rental per vehicle stands at ₹52,000.
This move is part of PMC’s broader strategy to enhance its monsoon preparedness and ensure efficient drainage and sewage management during the rainy season, reducing the risk of urban flooding.
