Bhopal Municipal Corporation to launch app to deal fuel theft

The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), which operates a fleet of approximately 1,650 vehicles and over 300 machines has witnessed several incidents of fuel theft over the past several years. In a bid to curb these recurring losses, the BMC is developing a dedicated fuel monitoring mobile application, expected to launch by the end of May.

The new app will enable officials to issue digital fuel permissions and monitor vehicle movement in real time, enhancing transparency and accountability across the corporation’s transportation network.

The system of issuing fuel permits has been in operation for the last six months. But by adding a new component, the fuelling process for BMC vehicles will become completely digital. 

Previously, BMC relied on a manual system for fuel distribution, which was prone to frequent delays and operational glitches. Under the old process, drivers often manipulated records—altering written allotments from 40 litres to 50 or even 60 litres. These irregularities came to light during an internal audit, prompting a series of high-level discussions among officials. Over the past year, these deliberations led to the decision to develop a more secure, technology-driven solution.

What will it change?

The new system will enable officials to log in individually and monitor fuel consumption and vehicle usage through this digital process. In the new system, all the vehicles and equipment owned by the corporation will be registered on the portal. These changes will make tracking and monthly calculations easier— helping reduce corrupt practices of fuel theft.

Next month, the new process will begin its trial. First of all, officers will be given training on this process. Once the process is in place, officers can digitally grant fuel permission with a single click on the portal. As a result, the need for manual approval for fuel will also be eliminated. BMC will disband the logbook investigation cell, which recently monitored the incident.

The intent system, which has been in place for six months, has prevented the theft of 5000 litres of diesel, according to BAC Deputy Commissioner Chanchalesh Girhare. Further integration with the fuel monitoring app will save fuel as well as time. Such integration will bring a higher level of accountability and efficiency in day-to-day work.

Theft Exposed!

Incidents of diesel theft from Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) vehicles have been reported multiple times over the years—in January 2019, November 2020, and again in May 2024. The issue gained renewed attention in August 2024, when a video surfaced showing diesel being syphoned from a vehicle in Zone No. 7.

While only a few cases have come to light, BMC consistently uncovers irregularities during its annual audits. As a response, the company is now working to digitise its fuel distribution system.

In December 2024, Dainik Bhaskar conducted an investigation revealing that diesel, after being filled in vehicles, is often drained while they are parked and then sold illegally at locations such as Bhadbhada Basti, Govindpura water tank, Karond Dussehra ground, and Sehore Naka.

The upcoming fuel monitoring app—equipped with a new digital intent system—aims to address these issues by enabling real-time vehicle tracking and automated fuel permissions. Officials believe the new system will boost transparency, improve efficiency, and save time.

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