The Responsible Manhole – TVS and Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s Innovative Solution to Open Manholes
The Responsible Manhole – TVS and Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s groundbreaking 3D-printed solution is not just a game-changer—it’s a life-saver.
Introduction:
In bustling coastal cities like Mumbai, the menace of open manholes claims a life every 12 hours, posing a grave threat to bikers and two-wheeler riders navigating waterlogged streets during heavy rainfall and high tides. The aged drainage system, dating back 150 years, exacerbates the risk of floods, especially with the challenges posed by intense summer rains and rapid urbanization. This article explores the collaborative effort between TVS, India’s third-largest two-wheeler manufacturer, and the Mumbai Municipal Corporation to address this critical issue and enhance street safety.
Challenge:
Open manholes in Mumbai have long been a perilous issue, with heavy rainfall and high tides turning waterlogged streets into death traps. The 150-year-old drainage system, coupled with rampant urbanization, contributes to severe waterlogging. Of the city’s 360,000 manholes, many are either intentionally left open by locals or have their covers stolen, compounding the problem. Corrosion further hampers efforts to secure these manholes individually.
Solution:
In a groundbreaking move, TVS and the Mumbai Municipal Corporation joined forces to create an innovative, cost-effective, and easily scalable solution – ‘The Responsible Manhole’. The result was a 3D-printed device that utilizes the principle of buoyancy. When a manhole cover is dislodged during flooding, the device is pushed up by up to 5 feet, triggering LED lights and a loud buzzer. This dual-alert system, comprising both audio and visual warnings, immediately notifies pedestrians and riders of the potential danger.
To ensure a swift response, a dedicated mobile app, synchronized with the device, relays real-time information about the geo-locations of open manholes to the municipality. This proactive approach enables authorities to take prompt action and prevent accidents.
Result:
The initial implementation of ‘The Responsible Manhole’ initiative witnessed a substantial reduction in casualties, showcasing the effectiveness of the device across Mumbai. Encouraged by this success, Bengaluru’s municipality has initiated Phase 2, planning to deploy these devices in over 200 locations. The project’s impact extends beyond city limits, as a live session at IIT Jodhpur engaged top engineering students, fostering knowledge transfer.
Recognizing its potential, discussions are underway with other municipalities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati. In a landmark decision in December 2022, the Mumbai High Court mandated improved surveillance of manhole covers. Furthermore, the open-source blueprint of the device is now available to civic bodies globally, offering a valuable tool for municipalities worldwide to enhance street safety.
Conclusion:
The collaborative effort between TVS and the Mumbai Municipal Corporation stands as a beacon of innovation, demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to mitigate longstanding urban challenges. By addressing the threat posed by open manholes, this initiative not only saves lives but also sets a precedent for cities worldwide to adopt proactive measures for ensuring road safety. The open-source nature of the device amplifies its impact, emphasizing a collective commitment to creating safer urban environments.
Credits
Campaign: The Responsible Manhole
Brand: TVS Motor Company
Agency: Dentsu Creative
Production Company: CHR Films, Airvision
This campaigns is about:
Street Safety, TVS, Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Open Manholes, Urban Challenges, 3D-Printed Solution, Waterlogging, Drainage System, Road Safety, Innovative Technology, Bengaluru Municipality, Infrastructure, LED Lights, Real-Time Monitoring, Geo-Locations, Proactive Measures, Urban Innovation, Civic Responsibility, Global Impact, Open-Source Blueprint, Safer Cities, Traffic Safety
