Trichy: The super sucker truck inducted by Trichy Corporation at a cost of Rs 3.7 crore for clearing underground drainage (UGD) blocks has been grounded due to the lack of a dedicated team to operate the vehicle. The corporation has been urged to appoint and train a dedicated team of workers to relaunch the specialized truck, especially in the aftermath of recent rainfall that caused sporadic sewage blocks.
The truck, commissioned in December 2025, was efficient in removing sewer blocks and silt accumulated in UGD chambers. However, locals alleged that the truck was grounded without an adequate crew to handle the vehicle. Unlike normal jet rodding trucks that clean UGD sewers through pressurized water, the super sucker uses vacuum to clear the blocks and requires an experienced workforce to operate the high-end gadgets on board.
"Shortage of truck drivers and permanent sanitary workers is the main reason for grounding the truck. In place of 2,000 permanent sanitary workers employed once, the local body has only 600-odd workers now," said K Suresh, CPI councillor from ward 23. Sources said that one of the crew members provided with specialized training to handle the truck went on medical leave, thus affecting the deployment of the truck.
Corporation officials claimed that the truck was grounded without adequate workers for only 15 days. "Commissioner has instructed the health department to form a team of six sanitary workers to train them in handling the machine. They will be exclusively deployed for operating the truck," a senior corporation official said. The truck is likely to begin service by this week.
UGD Sewers Cleaning Machinery
- Truck-mounted jetting rod machines: 4
- Autorickshaw-mounted jetting rod machines: 4
- Super sucker truck: 1
Cost: Rs 3.7 Crore
Advantages
- Removes silt and stones from sewers
- Clears line blocks on major roads in a few hours
- Less or no damage to the roads
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Trichy | Silver Rate in Trichy | Bank Holidays in Trichy | Public Holidays in Trichy
About the Author
Deepak Karthik is Trichy-based journalist working as Assistant Editor for The Times of India, covering central and Cauvery delta districts in Tamil Nadu. He writes on politics, transport, urban infrastructure, industries and technology. Deepak has completed his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Mechanical engineering from Sastra University and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Public Relations from Bharathidasan University.
