Bengaluru has introduced the country’s first homegrown airport runway rubber and paint removal system. Marking a paradigm shift in indigenous manufacturing, a Bengaluru-based technology firm has launched India’s first airport-grade runway rubber and paint removal system. The advanced equipment, now officially deployed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), eliminates the need for imported systems, boosting self-reliance in a crucial sector of aviation maintenance.
Named CleanJet, the high-precision system is designed for deep surface cleaning of airport runways, removing rubber deposits and faded markings that can compromise aircraft safety. It has been developed through a technology transfer collaboration with a German engineering firm, but its design, manufacturing, and operational components are now fully managed within India. Four CleanJet units have already been procured by AAI and are designated for use in Agartala, Kolkata, and Chennai. The equipment is also being supplied to the newly developing Noida International Airport and Cochin International Airport, underlining a broader national adoption.
What makes this development particularly significant is not just the indigenisation of a previously imported product, but the breakthrough of a micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) into a space traditionally dominated by international conglomerates. With nearly two decades of experience in precision engineering and urban development technology, the Bengaluru firm has now emerged as a national pioneer in aviation equipment manufacturing. Beyond aviation safety, the CleanJet system carries implications for sustainability. By removing rubber residues and worn paint using eco-sensitive technologies, the system helps ensure runways are maintained without harmful chemicals or abrasive materials. Its design incorporates water recycling and minimised emissions, aligning with the country’s climate goals and the broader vision of building net-zero infrastructure.
The equipment’s deployment is timely, as India experiences exponential growth in both domestic and international air traffic. With newer airports emerging and older ones expanding their capacities, the need for efficient, safe, and sustainable maintenance equipment is critical. By manufacturing such solutions locally, India not only saves valuable foreign exchange but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with importing heavy machinery. Industry watchers see this launch as a turning point. If such critical infrastructure systems can be produced by Indian MSMEs, the scope for other sectors—from renewable energy to smart mobility—widens considerably.
It opens the door for more startups and small businesses to participate in building resilient, inclusive, and climate-forward cities. While challenges remain in scaling production and maintaining technological standards, the success of this indigenous solution provides a blueprint for sustainable industrial growth. It also places Bengaluru firmly on the map as a hub for green and future-ready urban solutions.
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