Thiruvananthapuram has deployed a fleet of state-of-the-art suction-cum-jetting vehicles equipped with robotic technology to clean its sewage canals. These machines, which come equipped with an advanced robotic arm, aim to enhance the city’s drainage system by not only removing sludge but also preventing potential flooding caused by blocked drains.
With this launch, the Kerala capital is joining a growing list of cities embracing modern technology to tackle urban flooding, which has become a frequent and disruptive issue in many parts of India. The newly introduced suction-cum-jetting machines, purchased under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Smart City projects, represent a significant leap forward in urban drainage management. The vehicles are designed to address waterlogging efficiently by using high-pressure jetting systems that clear debris from drains and manholes, followed by a suction process that removes the waste without manual intervention. This technology, already proven effective in Kochi, now promises to bring lasting solutions to Thiruvananthapuram’s waterlogging woes. The city’s authorities hope that this initiative will be crucial in ensuring better city infrastructure and improving the quality of urban life for residents.
One of the standout features of these machines is the inclusion of Bandicoot Mini, a robot developed by Genrobotics, that operates remotely and is capable of reaching up to 30 metres underground. The robot’s spider-like design allows it to manoeuvre through narrow and hard-to-reach drains, performing cleaning tasks that would otherwise require workers to enter hazardous and unsanitary environments. The robot’s quick and efficient operation ensures that drains are cleaned in a matter of minutes, with waste being removed through a sensor-assisted bucket system that can handle up to 20 kilograms of debris at a time.
The vehicles themselves are equipped with a significant amount of high-pressure water and a large capacity for waste storage. Each vehicle can carry up to 6,000 litres of water and is fitted with a sophisticated jetting system that uses a 30-metre hose to spray water at high pressure to clear clogged drains. These machines can effectively clear mud, sludge, and debris, preventing the accumulation of waste that often leads to flooding during heavy rains. The system also includes a powerful suction mechanism, which extracts debris and waste, depositing it into lorries for disposal.
The deployment of these machines is just the first phase of a long-term plan to improve the city’s drainage system. Currently, two such vehicles are operational, with a third vehicle in the design phase. Each unit is expected to cost between ₹70 lakh and ₹80 lakh, an investment that city planners hope will pay off in terms of reduced waterlogging and improved urban resilience. The initiative has been praised for its potential to revolutionise the city’s approach to flood management and its alignment with broader sustainability goals. As the city continues to grow, the integration of such technology could play a critical role in managing urban infrastructure challenges.
For Thiruvananthapuram, this innovation is more than just a technological advancement – it is a step toward building a more sustainable and equitable city. By reducing the need for manual labour and providing a cleaner, safer environment for workers, the city is also ensuring that its environmental policies are aligned with the needs of modern urban living. These developments could pave the way for other cities in India to embrace similar technologies as they seek to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly the increased rainfall and flooding events caused by global warming.
As cities across India look for ways to address the growing pressures of urbanisation and climate change, Thiruvananthapuram’s investment in robotic drainage systems serves as an example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. The effectiveness of these machines in the coming months could set a precedent for the broader adoption of similar technologies in cities across the country, ultimately making urban living more resilient and sustainable for all.
Thiruvananthapuram Tackles Waterlogging with Advanced Technology