The machines will serve as a backup in case of a glitch during the vote-counting process. Their introduction is intended to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted procedure in the event of technical errors. These units can print election results directly from the electronic voting machine (EVM) control unit
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani addresses a press conference on Monday.
As part of the upgraded voting system for the upcoming BMC election 2026, the civic body has received 140 PADU machines (printing auxiliary display units) for the first time. These machines will serve as a backup in case of any technical issues during the vote-counting process.
The introduction of PADU machines is aimed at ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted counting process in the event of technical errors. These units print election results directly from the electronic voting machine (EVM) control unit at the end of the counting procedure.
In a statement on Monday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said, "M3A voting machines from M/s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, will be used for the BMC General Elections. During vote counting, the ballot unit must be connected to the control unit."
Speaking on the machines, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said, "These PADU units are acting as a backup. In case of any emergency situation or technical error in connecting the voting units to the control unit, PADU will be used as a backup unit. These have been developed by M/s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, and given to BMC. We have received 140 such units."
A senior official of BMC's Election Department further explained, "EVM has two components: voting units and control units. The voting unit needs to be connected to the control unit at the time of vote counting. In case the ballot unit and control unit jointly fail, PADU can be connected to the voting unit as a backup."
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