IoT-Enabled FRP Covers for Bengaluru’s Smart Traffic Management

Bengaluru has long been known as the technological center of India. Now, it’s applying that tech know-how to urban infrastructure with the deployment of IoT-enabled FRP manhole cover —an intelligent solution that merges physical durability with real-time data monitoring.

Broken or stolen manhole covers have been a persistent problem for the city, frequently resulting in deadly collisions, heavy traffic, and costly emergency repairs. In order to combat this, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) began putting FRP covers with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors in strategic locations like Electronic City, MG Road, and Koramangala.

The FRP material, known for being corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and non-conductive, provides several immediate advantages. Even in areas where monsoons are common, FRP coverings provide long-term dependability in contrast to cast iron covers, which are vulnerable to rust or theft. Labor costs are lower because they are simpler to move and install.

But the real innovation lies in the embedded IoT sensors, which enable these covers to:

• Detect displacement through tilt sensors

• Alert authorities about water overflow or blockages

• Monitor toxic gas levels within the sewage

• Pinpoint locations with GPS tracking to coordinate repairs faster

All this data is sent to BBMP’s Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), enabling predictive maintenance and automated alerts. The sensors can even trigger smart traffic rerouting through integration with the city’s signal systems if a manhole issue is detected in high-traffic areas.

Early trials show impressive results: theft incidents have dropped by 80%, and average repair response time has improved by over 60%. Citizens also feel safer, knowing that potential accidents can be preemptively addressed. These IoT-FRP covers are also 5G-compatible, allowing for future upgrades such as CCTV integration or AI-based hazard detection.

With urban growth accelerating and infrastructure under pressure, Bengaluru’s fusion of smart sensors and durable materials could redefine how Indian cities think about public safety, sustainability, and governance. FRP-based smart covers are not just infrastructure—they are data hubs in a new age of urban intelligence.