Runway Safety Revolution: 7 Powerful Ways India’s Cleanjet Machine Is Transforming Airports

Noida International Airport has partnered with Anlon Tech to launch India’s first domestically designed and built Runway Rubber Removal Machine (RRM), marking a significant leap in aviation infrastructure. This innovation directly tackles critical safety concerns by efficiently stripping hazardous rubber deposits, paint, and oil from runways using ultra-high-pressure water jets – eliminating slippery surfaces without chemicals or environmental harm.

Built on a robust Eicher chassis with BS-VI compliance, the Cleanjet RRM cleans 1,100 sqm/hour while instantly suctioning debris, leaving surfaces dry and flight-ready. Its modular design allows rapid emergency evacuation, and onboard cameras ensure operational accountability. Beyond boosting safety at Noida, this machine reduces reliance on costly imports and showcases India’s growing capability to engineer specialized aviation solutions tailored to local conditions. The deployment signals a strategic shift toward sustainable, self-reliant airport operations that could benefit India’s expanding aviation network.

Runway Safety Revolution: 7 Powerful Ways India’s Cleanjet Machine Is Transforming Airports

When we think of aviation breakthroughs, runway cleaning rarely takes center stage. Yet Noida International Airport’s deployment of India’s first indigenously built Cleanjet Runway Rubber Removal Machine (RRM) – developed with Pune’s Anlon Tech Solutions – quietly marks a milestone in both operational safety and homegrown engineering.  

Why This Matters to Everyday Travelers 

Runway rubber buildup isn’t just maintenance trivia. It’s a critical safety hazard:  

• Landing aircraft deposit rubber layers that reduce tire friction, increasing stopping distances.  

• Traditional chemical cleaners corrode tarmac and harm groundwater.  

• Manual cleaning forces runway closures, delaying flights. 

The Cleanjet RRM tackles these invisibly:  

• Eco-Precision: Ultra-high-pressure water jets (no chemicals) strip rubber, paint, and oil while preserving pavement integrity.  

• Speed & Autonomy: Cleans 1 tennis court-sized area/minute (~1,100 sqm/hr) with 4+ hours of continuous operation – minimizing air traffic disruption.  

• Zero Residue: Built-in suction captures wastewater and debris instantly, leaving surfaces dry and flight-ready. 

The Unsung Engineering Hero 

Beyond specs, what makes this machine uniquely Indian?  

• Industrial Backbone: Built on an Eicher Pro 6028 chassis – a rugged workhorse of Indian logistics – paired with a BS-VI diesel engine and Germany’s Hammelmann pump tech. This reflects India’s growing ability to integrate global components into specialized solutions.  

• Context-Adaptive Design: Monsoon-ready drainage, quick-detach parts for emergency runway exits, and modular storage – addressing India’s climate and infrastructure realities.  

• Digital Oversight: Onboard cameras and 30-day data logging enable accountability – vital for safety audits in fast-growing airports. 

The Bigger Picture 

Noida’s move signals a shift:  

• Reduced Import Reliance: Airports previously sourced RRMs from Europe at 3-4x the cost.  

• Export Potential: With India targeting 200+ airports by 2030, scalable solutions like Anlon’s could serve smaller airfields globally.  

• Sustainability Alignment: Chemical-free cleaning supports aviation’s net-zero goals while protecting local ecosystems. 

The Human Angle 

For Captain Priya R. (commercial pilot, 12 yrs): “A dry, rubber-free runway isn’t about convenience – it’s about margins during monsoons or short runways. This feels like an overdue upgrade.”  

Meanwhile, Anlon’s engineers spent 18 months adapting pressure profiles to Indian tarmac mixes – a detail reflecting patient localization, not just assembly.  

Looking Ahead 

As Noida Airport nears opening, its choice to prioritize localized safety tech sets a precedent. The true test? Whether Tier 2-3 airports can access scaled-down versions. For now, it’s a quiet triumph for Indian aviation – proving innovation isn’t always in the cockpit; sometimes, it’s under the wheels.