Thu Nov 20 16:23:28 UTC 2025: Summary:
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has determined that hiring sweeping machines is more cost-effective than purchasing them, a decision reached after a year-long study. Tenders have been floated and government approval is being sought for this new approach, which also includes stakeholder responsibilities and staffing provided by the hiring company. The GST reduction is expected to further reduce project costs. The GBA also addressed ward delimitation, confirming the increase to 369 wards based on public input. Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao emphasized the importance of commitment and attention to detail for civic engineers to maintain Bengaluru’s reputation for high-quality urban infrastructure during a capacity-building workshop.
News Article:
Bengaluru to Rent Sweeping Machines in Cost-Cutting Move, GBA Announces
Bengaluru, November 20, 2025 – The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) announced today that it will switch from purchasing to hiring sweeping machines, citing significant cost savings. A year-long study concluded that the ongoing maintenance and operational expenses associated with owning the machines made hiring a more financially viable option.
“We calculated the detailed cost and realised that hiring is better than buying,” stated GBA Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao. The authority has already floated tenders, inviting companies to bid on contracts that include not only the machinery but also staffing and clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure performance.
The move is part of Bengaluru’s ongoing dust-reduction efforts and is awaiting government approval. Rao emphasized transparency in the process, stating that tenders are available online and the GBA is prepared to address any challenges to the bidding process. The recent GST reduction is expected to further lower the project cost by an estimated ₹100 crore.
Beyond cost savings, the GBA also addressed ward delimitation, confirming the addition of one ward, bringing the total to 369. This decision, according to Rao, was based on public suggestions and a thorough review by a dedicated committee.
In a separate event today, Rao urged civic engineers to prioritize commitment and attention to detail in their work, highlighting the importance of delivering high-quality urban infrastructure to maintain Bengaluru’s reputation as a trendsetter for other cities. He was speaking at a capacity-building workshop for engineers and contractors, which included demonstrations and technical discussions on various aspects of urban development, from tender creation to road construction.
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