How a Municipal Corporation Eliminated Metal Theft with FRP Manhole Covers

Metal theft has been a persistent problem for municipalities worldwide, leading to open manholes, road hazards, and increased maintenance costs. A major municipal corporation in India was struggling with frequent theft of cast iron manhole covers, putting pedestrians and motorists at risk. In response, they decided to switch to FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) manhole covers, which ultimately solved the issue.

The Problem: Rampant Theft and Safety Hazards

1. High Scrap Value of Metal Covers – Thieves stole cast iron covers to sell as scrap, leaving roads and walkways dangerously exposed.

2. Frequent Accidents – Open manholes led to pedestrian injuries, vehicle damage, and even fatalities.

3. Escalating Replacement Costs – The municipal body had to repeatedly replace stolen covers, increasing expenses and straining budgets.

4. Traffic Congestion – Open manholes caused roadblocks and diversions, disrupting daily commuting.

The Solution: FRP Manhole Covers

To combat this issue, the municipal corporation replaced all high-theft areas with FRP covers, leading to:

• Theft Prevention – FRP has no scrap value, making it worthless to thieves. Theft cases dropped to zero.

• Enhanced Public Safety – With secured manhole covers, pedestrian and vehicle accidents reduced significantly.

• Corrosion Resistance & Durability – Unlike metal covers, FRP does not rust, crack, or degrade, ensuring long-term reliability.

• Cost Savings on Replacements – The city saved millions in recurring replacement costs, allowing funds to be allocated to other civic improvements.

By adopting FRP manhole cover , the municipal corporation successfully eliminated metal theft, enhanced urban safety, and reduced infrastructure maintenance costs, proving that modern materials can solve long-standing civic challenges.