Barrier-Free Tolls and 70 Sweeping Machines: MCD’s Massive Civic Overhaul
MCD Standing Committee approves 70 road sweeping machines, barrier-free toll collection at 126 points, and filling vacant public health posts.
In a major push to improve urban infrastructure and public health, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Standing Committee has approved a series of high-impact public welfare proposals. Led by Chairperson Satya Sharma, the committee has greenlit initiatives ranging from a high-tech toll system to a massive investment in air pollution control and the filling of critical vacancies in the Public Health Department.
War on Pollution: Rs 923 Crore for Mechanical Sweepers
To tackle the persistent menace of air pollution and dust accumulation on city roads, the MCD is deploying 70 Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs). This ambitious project, valued at approximately Rs 923.57 crore, is designed to span the next decade.
The strategy focuses on reducing particulate matter stirred up by vehicular movement. To ensure the cleaning process itself doesn't add to pollution, the MCD has opted for cleaner energy: smaller machines will be fully electric, while larger units will run on either electricity or CNG.
The project has been split into three distinct packages to ensure efficient execution:
- Package 1: Lion Services Limited will handle 29 machines at a cost of Rs 369.53 crore.
- Package 2: A consortium of GA Infra Private Limited and VN Engineering Company will manage 28 machines for Rs 368.83 crore.
- Package 3: JS Enviro Services Private Limited is tasked with 13 machines at a cost of Rs 185.20 crore.
These agencies are responsible for both the deployment and the operation and maintenance of the machinery for a period of 10 years.
End of the Wait: Barrier-Free Toll Collection
Commuters and commercial vehicle drivers in the national capital are set for a smoother experience. The Standing Committee has approved the upgrade of the existing RFID system at 126 toll collection points to a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology.
What changes for drivers?
Commercial vehicles will no longer need to halt at physical barriers to pay the Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) or road tax. Instead, a combination of RFID and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology will identify vehicles while they are in motion, triggering automatic fee collection.
The project is slated for a six-year duration, with the first six months dedicated to design and implementation, followed by 54 months of operation. To ensure no revenue loss, the current RFID system will remain active during the transition. Furthermore, the MCD will implement a digital notice system for vehicles that bypass payment.
A high-level committee has set an annual minimum reserve price of Rs 910 crore for road tax collection, which will serve as the base price for the tender.
Strengthening Public Health and Civic Amenities
Beyond technology and machinery, the MCD is addressing the human resource gap by approving the filling of vacant posts within the Public Health Department. This move is expected to bolster the city's sanitation and health services.
During the meeting, Chairperson Satya Sharma emphasized that the Standing Committee serves as a vital platform for democratic dialogue. Councillors from both the ruling and opposition sides raised urgent concerns regarding their respective wards, including:
- Severe shortages of sanitation workers.
- The urgent need for road repairs.
- Maintenance of public parks and other essential civic amenities.
Mrs. Sharma asserted that the committee's goal extends beyond mere approvals; the focus is on ensuring that the issues raised by public representatives are resolved in a time-bound and effective manner.