₹613 crore rental proposal for road-sweeping machines draws attention to cost gap

A seven-year rental plan for road-sweeping machines approved by the government has drawn attention due to a sharply lower purchase cost estimate, triggering discussions on expenditure justification.

The state government’s decision to rent 46 road-sweeping machines for seven years at a cost of ₹613 crore has come under focus after comparative estimates indicated that purchasing the same machines may cost significantly less. The proposal, approved for use on major and sub-arterial roads under Bengaluru’s civic limits, aims to strengthen mechanised cleanliness but has sparked questions about expenditure efficiency.

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According to technical estimates, a standard road-sweeping machine typically costs ₹20-40 lakh, while larger sweeping units mounted on trucks are priced at ₹80-90 lakh. Even if each machine is valued at ₹1 crore, the total purchase cost for 46 units would amount to ₹46 crore. Annual maintenance for one machine is estimated at ₹10 lakh, placing the seven-year maintenance cost for the entire fleet at around ₹32.2 crore.

Combined, the total purchase and long-term maintenance estimate stands near ₹78 crore, which is considerably lower than the approved ₹613 crore rental budget. The difference of ₹535 crore has led to calls within civic discussions for greater financial clarity on the necessity of opting for a rental model instead of outright purchase.

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The proposal is understood to have received Cabinet approval based on recommendations presented by senior officials and external consultants linked to the project. While the objective is to enhance road cleanliness and mechanised waste handling, the substantial financial gap between renting and buying has drawn public interest, with observers noting that the government must detail the reasoning behind the higher expenditure.

The government has not yet issued a detailed explanation of the pricing structure. With Bengaluru’s waste management frequently under scrutiny, the approval has revived conversations around cost-effective planning and transparent utilisation of public funds.