India’s urban sanitation system is increasingly using technology to improve waste collection, monitor services and make hazardous cleaning work safer. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, cities are adopting AI-powered robots, electric waste-collection vehicles, digital dashboards and online citizen services. Key Highlights AI-powered robots are being used for cleaning in high-risk and difficult-to-access areas. Guntur, Chennai and Indore have introduced electric vehicles for door-to-door waste collection. Digital platforms are making sanitation services and complaint systems more accessible. Technology-enabled monitoring is being expanded through the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0. The government has identified 50 cities under the PRAGATI-50 initiative to demonstrate technology-enabled sanitation improvements. Swachh Bharat Mission Enters a Technology-Driven Phase The Swachh Bharat Mission began in 2014 with a focus on sanitation, cleanliness and public participation. Over time, the urban programme has expanded from basic sanitation infrastructure towards scientific waste management, source segregation, door-to-door collection and the remediation of legacy waste. Under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, the broader objective is to achieve garbage-free cities through better waste collection, processing and management. Government data released in 2026 said urban waste processing had increased from 16% in 2014 to 81% in 2026, while 97% of urban wards were covered by door-to-door waste collection. Technology is now becoming an important part of this transition. AI Robots for Safer Sanitation Work One of the most notable developments is the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in sanitation. In Thiruvananthapuram, the municipal corporation deployed the AI-powered G-SPIDER robotic canal-cleaning system under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0. The robot is designed to operate in difficult and high-risk areas where human entry can be dangerous. The system was deployed at the Amayizhanchan canal near Thampanoor Railway Station, including a covered stretch with restricted clearance, flowing water and limited access for workers. The project is intended to improve safety while reducing the need for humans to enter hazardous environments. This represents a shift towards using technology for sanitation activities that involve significant occupational risks. Electric Vehicles Transform Waste Collection Electric mobility is also being integrated into everyday waste collection. In Guntur, more than 200 electric autos have been deployed for door-to-door garbage collection. The vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking, allowing authorities to monitor collection operations in real time. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the initiative is expected to eliminate the use of more than 71,000 litres of diesel annually and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions over the longer term. Chennai has also introduced battery-operated e-rickshaws for waste collection. The Greater Chennai Corporation has deployed 5,478 such vehicles across its 15 zones. The city has also established solar charging stations to support the electric fleet. Indore has introduced 100 electric vehicles for door-to-door waste collection. These vehicles use GPS-based monitoring through the city's Integrated Command and Control Center, allowing officials to track operations. The city has also developed solar charging infrastructure for the electric fleet. Digital Platforms Make Sanitation Services More Accessible Digital technology is changing how citizens interact with municipal sanitation services. Raipur, for example, has introduced an online system through which residents can request septic-tank desludging services without having to visit a municipal office. The system is intended to simplify access and reduce waiting time. The government has also expanded digital channels for citizen complaints. In September 2026, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched a dedicated WhatsApp channel connected to the Swachhata ecosystem, allowing citizens to lodge sanitation-related complaints more conveniently. Digital monitoring is also being used to track sanitation performance and service delivery across cities. PRAGATI-50 to Focus on Technology-Enabled Sanitation The technology push is also visible in the government's newly launched PRAGATI-50 initiative. Under the initiative, 50 cities across 24 states have been identified to demonstrate higher standards of urban cleanliness through targeted action, key performance indicators and technology-enabled monitoring. The programme covers areas including solid waste management, used-water management, sanitation and citizen participation. Progress is expected to be assessed through outcome-based monitoring. A third cohort of 13 sanitation-focused startups has also been onboarded in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, highlighting the growing role of innovation and startups in urban sanitation. From Smart Monitoring to Cleaner Cities The use of AI, EVs and digital platforms shows how India's sanitation system is moving beyond conventional waste collection. AI and robotics can assist with difficult sanitation tasks. Electric vehicles can reduce dependence on diesel-powered collection fleets. Digital platforms can improve service requests, grievance redressal and monitoring. At the same time, technology is only one part of urban sanitation. Waste segregation, responsible disposal, citizen participation, worker safety and effective municipal management remain important for maintaining clean cities. The current direction of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 combines these elements with technology to improve the way cities collect, process and monitor waste.
