Bareilly's Rs 1.9 Crore E-Rickshaw Fleet Fails, Disrupting Waste Collection Operations
In a significant setback to urban sanitation efforts, the Bareilly Municipal Corporation (BMC) is grappling with the failure of its fleet of e-rickshaws purchased for door-to-door garbage collection. Officials confirmed on Friday that at least 100 of these vehicles have allegedly broken down within just two years of their procurement, severely disrupting waste-lifting operations across the city.
Costly Procurement and Rapid Deterioration
The civic body had acquired the e-rickshaws on September 23, 2024, at a substantial cost of Rs 1.9 crore. This purchase followed formal approvals from the municipal commissioner and a divisional-level committee, highlighting the project's official backing. The vehicles were subsequently distributed to designated collection agencies, which soon began reporting persistent technical issues that hampered their functionality.
According to BMC officials, the Faridabad-based supplier responsible for providing the e-rickshaws has failed to meet its contractual obligations. Key commitments that were allegedly neglected include deploying an on-site technician for maintenance and offering essential service support for over two years post-purchase.
Technical Failures and Operational Challenges
The reported defects in the e-rickshaws are numerous and critical. Poor battery performance stands out as a primary concern, with vehicles reportedly running for only two to three hours on a full charge—far below operational requirements. Additional malfunctions involve defective relays and electricity converters, alongside leakages in hydraulic oil chambers, which collectively render the fleet largely inoperative.
This breakdown has led to significant disruptions in waste collection services, affecting daily sanitation routines and potentially exacerbating public health risks in Bareilly. The situation underscores the challenges municipalities face in maintaining sustainable and reliable infrastructure for essential services.
Official Actions and Supplier Response
In response to these issues, the BMC has issued a show-cause notice to the supplying firm. Rajeev Kumar Rathi, Executive Engineer (Tourism) at BMC, outlined potential consequences: "If the company fails to respond within the stipulated time, the security deposit will be forfeited, steps will be taken to blacklist the firm on the GeM portal, and an FIR may be lodged."
Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Kumar Maurya reinforced the corporation's stance, stating that the supplier had not honored its commitments. "The promises they made were unfulfilled," he asserted, emphasizing the gap between contractual agreements and actual performance.
However, the supplier has contested these allegations. Arvind Kumar, Sales Manager of the company, argued that an investigation revealed missing parts and inadequate maintenance by the collection agencies. "The e-rickshaws were given on contract to an agency that did not handle them carefully, resulting in the breakdowns," he claimed, shifting blame towards operational mishandling rather than manufacturing defects.
Commissioner Maurya countered this by maintaining that parts were already missing when the issues were initially identified and noted that the vendor had previously covered repair costs, suggesting acknowledgment of responsibility.
Broader Implications for Civic Projects
This incident raises important questions about the procurement and maintenance of civic assets in urban India. The failure of such a high-value investment highlights potential vulnerabilities in supplier vetting, contract enforcement, and post-purchase support mechanisms. It also reflects on the broader challenges of integrating electric vehicles into public service frameworks, where reliability and durability are paramount.
As Bareilly works to resolve this crisis, the case serves as a cautionary tale for other municipalities embarking on similar green initiatives, stressing the need for robust oversight and accountability in public contracts.
