Indian-Made Robotic Lifesavers Set to Transform Safety at Mumbai Beaches
Introduction
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has published a fresh tender to procure six remote-controlled life-saving buoys, also known as robotic water rescue machines, which are to be installed at the six most populous beaches in Mumbai: Girgaon, Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Gorai, and Aksa. The aforementioned life-saving devices are accompanying a larger undertaking to reinforce emergency response apparatus and enhance safety for beach visitors. These will be operated under the control of the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) and are intended for use in drowning response situations where rescuers can guide victims to the beach with the buoy without compromising their own water entry.
This tender follows a previous one that was floated in September 2024 but was cancelled. In that instance, an Indian firm had been shortlisted to supply the devices, which would be imported from Maren Robotics, a Turkish firm. However, the decision was politically attacked due to strained Indo-Turkish relations. The controversy ran deeper with news that Pakistan used Turkish drones in an altercation with India in May 2025, whose use compromised national security. In response to public protest and geopolitical tensions, in June 2025, the BMC scrapped the original tender and decided to provide a shot in the arm to the “Make in India” initiative by inviting bids from Indian companies alone.
Who is eligible to apply?
According to the newly announced tender on 12 September 2025, only Indian OEMs (original manufacturers) of robotic water rescue machines or their dealers and authorised distributors can submit their applications. The applicants must have previous experience in similar work for the last seven years and must have had previous contracts with government, semi-government organisations, public sector undertakings, or fire and emergency services within India. This ensures that only experienced companies with sound experience and reliability are shortlisted for the tender.
How to apply?
Eligible applicants can apply by logging in to the BMC e-tendering portal. The application should include proof of eligibility and previous experience, technical specifications of the proposed equipment, a financial quote, and a delivery timeline. All bids are to be submitted as per the instructions given in the notice of tender, and the closing date and other dates of significance are indicated on the portal. Each device must also come with a two-year warranty, a three-year general maintenance and service agreement, and heavy-duty aluminium containers for storage and transportation.
The remote-controlled operation from the beach makes the robotic buoys more convenient through the circumvention of having rescuers expose themselves to water. They can carry 200 kilograms each and have a maximum speed of 18 kilometres per hour, hence speedy response in case of emergencies. The design features a central beam and hand belts that drowning victims will be able to grasp while being walked to the shore. There are also robotic arms and cameras in certain models that assist in locating victims and examining underwater areas. Built to accommodate severe sea conditions, the devices offer reliability and toughness in hostile environments.
Mumbai Fire Brigade personnel will be specially trained to operate these gadgets effectively. Trial runs and open demonstrations are expected before widespread use, and a special team will be assigned to maintenance and monitoring. This ensures the buoys are operational throughout the year, especially during the monsoon when the drowning risk is highest.
The new initiative will also significantly reduce response time at Mumbai beaches, where there have been several drowning incidents in recent years, and enhance chances of survival. By only giving the tender to Indian companies, BMC aims to encourage domestic production, help develop new technology, and prevent costly imports from abroad. This action also helps local robotics and emergency service sectors, as these devices provide work and enhance the nation’s security.
Internationally, robotic water rescue equipment is already being deployed in Australia, the United States, and parts of Europe, where it has been effective in rescuing people. The implementation of such technology by Mumbai puts it at the forefront of beach safety technology innovation worldwide. Safety experts and civic officials have welcomed the move, calling it a timely upgrade to Mumbai’s emergency infrastructure. Beachgoers and lifeguards alike have welcomed the optimism with hope that beaches will be safer for all.
In the future, BMC is also planning to expand this scheme to other coastal areas, lakes, and rivers in Maharashtra. Integration with ambulance services and disaster response teams is also in the plan to develop a large rescue network. This tender marks a significant shift in the way Mumbai conceptualises public safety, technology, and local development, combining innovation and national interest.
FAQs
1. Why has this tender been issued?
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a tender for the procurement of six remote-controlled life-saving buoys to be installed at the city’s most crowded beaches. The move seeks to strengthen emergency response systems and stem drowning-related deaths using improved, non-contact rescue technology.
2. Which beaches are to get the devices?
The devices are scheduled to be installed at six key coastal locations across Mumbai, namely Girgaon, Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Gorai, and Aksa. These sites have been strategically selected based on a combination of high crowd density and historical data relating to drowning incidents. The initiative reflects a targeted approach to enhancing public safety in areas where the risk is known to be elevated, particularly during peak visitation periods.
3. Who can apply?
Applications are restricted to Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), their authorised dealers, or distributors specialising in robotic water rescue devices. Eligible applicants must be Indian organisations with a demonstrable track record of at least seven years in relevant project domains. In addition, they are expected to provide evidence of prior contractual engagements with government bodies, semi-government entities, public sector organisations, or emergency services operating within India.
4. Why was the former tender cancelled?
The previous tender (September 2024) was withdrawn in June 2025 owing to geopolitical reasons. The shortlisted bidder suggested importing the devices from Turkey, which was criticised after reports of Turkish drones being utilised by Pakistan in a border skirmish. In retaliation, BMC modified its acquisition strategy to favour the “Make in India” program.
5. How do eligible parties apply?
Applications are to be submitted exclusively via the BMC e-tendering portal, in line with the official tender guidelines and schedule published therein. Prospective bidders are required to furnish the following documentation: verified evidence of experience and eligibility; detailed technical specifications of the proposed equipment; a formal price bid; and a clearly defined delivery timeline. All submissions must comply strictly with the procedural requirements and deadlines outlined on the portal.
6. What are the technical requirements of the rescue buoys?
Each buoy is expected to meet a set of operational and safety specifications tailored for effective water rescue. The devices must be remotely controlled from the shore, allowing for precise navigation during emergencies. They should be capable of supporting a maximum load of 200 kilograms and be able to travel at speeds of up to 18 kilometres per hour. To assist victims during retrieval, the buoys must be equipped with central support beams and hand belts. Certain models are also required to feature integrated cameras and robotic arms to enhance situational awareness and rescue capability. All units must be robustly engineered to withstand rough sea conditions, ensuring reliability in high-risk environments.
7. What are the post-purchase service needs?
Each machine is required to be supplied with a two-year product warranty, ensuring coverage for manufacturing defects and operational reliability. In addition, a three-year maintenance and service contract must be included to support ongoing functionality and technical upkeep. For logistical resilience, all units are to be shipped and stored in heavy-duty aluminium cases, providing robust protection during transit and long-term storage.
8. Who will use the devices?
The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) will operate them. Personnel will be given specialised training, and an exclusive team will be responsible for maintenance and monitoring to make the machines functional throughout the year.
9. What are the anticipated benefits?
The deployment of robotic water rescue devices is anticipated to deliver a range of strategic benefits. These include significantly faster response times during emergencies, thereby improving the efficiency and reach of rescue operations. The technology also reduces direct risk to human rescuers by enabling remote intervention in hazardous conditions. As a result, survival rates are expected to increase, particularly in high-density coastal zones. Furthermore, the initiative supports indigenous manufacturing and robotics, aligning with national priorities for technological self-reliance. Collectively, these advancements contribute to the strengthening of public safety infrastructure across vulnerable maritime regions.
10. Are there plans to expand this initiative?
Yes. BMC is exploring future deployment in other coastal areas, lakes, and rivers across Maharashtra. Integration with ambulance and disaster response services is also under consideration to build a comprehensive rescue network.
11. How does Mumbai’s initiative compare globally?
Robotic rescue devices are already in use in countries like Australia, the US, and parts of Europe. Mumbai’s adoption places it among global leaders in beach safety innovation, aligning with international best practices.
