BMC Rolls Out Geofencing System for Election Vehicle Monitoring in Mumbai
In a groundbreaking move to enhance election oversight, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed a geofencing system to monitor vehicles involved in the civic polls. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to tighten control over the election process by tracking the movement of all designated vehicles in real-time.
Tracking Thousands of Election Vehicles
The system will monitor a total of 2,865 vehicles used for various election-related duties across Mumbai. Civic officials explained that this measure forms part of a broader strategy to ensure smooth, secure, and transparent conduct of the polls.
The fleet includes:
- 1,023 BEST buses
- 101 Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation buses
- 1,160 private buses
- 581 taxis
These vehicles transport electronic voting machines, polling officers, and support staff throughout the city.
Real-Time Monitoring and Central Control
Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi detailed how the geofencing system works. "All vehicles are fitted with tracking devices and connected to a central control room at BMC headquarters," she said. "This setup enables live tracking, route history monitoring, and instant alerts if any vehicle deviates from its assigned route."
The Transport Wing of the Solid Waste Management Department established a dedicated control room equipped for round-the-clock vehicle monitoring. Engineers and operators will work in shifts to maintain continuous surveillance.
Integrated Alert System for Returning Officers
For the first time, geofencing alerts are integrated with online maps in the offices of each Returning Officer. If any designated vehicle moves outside its assigned jurisdiction, the system generates an automatic alert. This allows officials to immediately verify the vehicle's status and take necessary action.
Civic officials stated that the initiative specifically aims to prevent delays, misuse of vehicles, and logistical disruptions during the election process. The geofencing system complements other election arrangements including manpower deployment, security measures, voter facilities at polling stations, and vote counting preparations.
The BMC's implementation of this technology represents a significant step toward modernizing election management in Mumbai's civic polls.
