Indian Engineer Becomes Street Cleaner in Russia, Earns ₹1 Lakh Monthly

Moscow: A new trend is emerging among Indian professionals seeking opportunities abroad. Recently, a group of Indian workers arrived in Russia, taking up jobs as street cleaners—despite holding engineering degrees. Attractive salaries are drawing them to these roles, highlighting a pragmatic approach to work and income.

Engineer-Turned-Cleaner
Among them is 26-year-old Mukesh Mandal, a former software developer, who is now working as a street cleaner in Saint Petersburg. Employed by the road maintenance company Kolomyazhskoye, Mandal earns 100,000 Russian rubles (approximately ₹1.1 lakh) per month, surpassing his earnings as an engineer in India. The company covers most of the workers’ living and administrative expenses, allowing them to save substantially from their salaries.

Diverse Workforce
The 17 Indian workers currently employed by Kolomyazhskoye range in age from 19 to 43 and come from different parts of India. They perform essential cleaning and maintenance tasks in the city, contributing to urban upkeep while benefiting from lucrative pay packages.

Focus on Earnings Over Job Title
Speaking to Fontanka, Mandal shared, “I have worked with several Microsoft companies and am trained as a software developer. Despite my engineering background, I chose to come to Russia for better earnings. My priority is the work itself, not the job title.” He emphasized that his plan is to work abroad for a few years, earn money, and return to India, stating, “I respect my work as a street cleaner fully—it’s honest work, and the income allows me to plan my future.”

This trend reflects a growing willingness among Indian professionals to explore unconventional opportunities overseas, prioritizing income and experience over traditional career paths.