Pune: Over 5,000 Abandoned Vehicles Cleared in Six Months to Ease Congestion and Boost Safety
Pune Traffic Police, in collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), has removed more than 5,000 abandoned vehicles from city streets over the past six months. Senior officials revealed that over 1,000 of these vehicles were cleared in just the last 15 days, marking a significant push in the ongoing campaign.
The initiative specifically targets derelict and unattended vehicles—many left untouched for months—in residential areas, commercial zones, and narrow internal lanes. Authorities highlighted that such abandoned vehicles not only contribute to traffic bottlenecks but also pose safety hazards and obstruct emergency access.
Focus on Older, Congested Areas
Traffic police officials pointed out that older parts of Pune, characterized by narrow roads, are the worst affected. The removal of unused vehicles has freed up valuable space that can now be utilized for parking, pedestrian movement, and emergency services.
Structured Legal Process Followed
Under the directives of the police commissioner, the traffic department has adopted a systematic approach to tackle the issue. Vehicle owners are first issued notices and given a grace period to remove or reclaim their vehicles. If they fail to comply, the vehicles are towed, seized, and eventually auctioned after completing legal formalities.
Citizen Complaints Drive Action
The campaign gained momentum after years of grievances from citizen groups, local representatives, and activists. Officials noted that the removal of abandoned vehicles has already improved traffic flow in several high-density areas. Additionally, these neglected vehicles were often turning into mosquito breeding sites or potential hideouts for anti-social activities—issues that have now been addressed.
Public Awareness and Future Plans
Authorities have urged residents to refrain from dumping old or damaged vehicles on public roads and to report abandoned vehicles through designated helplines and online portals. As part of an awareness drive, the department will also disseminate information on vehicle auctions, scrapping guidelines, and the legal repercussions of abandoning vehicles.
The joint operation between the Pune Traffic Police and PMC is set to continue for the next six months, with officials aiming for a comprehensive resolution to the problem.
