Mumbai BMC Cracks Down on Abandoned Vehicles
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a city-wide campaign to address the problem of abandoned and non-functional vehicles obstructing roadways. This move comes in response to numerous complaints from residents regarding the inconvenience and safety hazards posed by these vehicles.
To expedite the removal process, the BMC is procuring 26 hydraulic vans on a rental basis. These vans will be deployed across seven civic zones over the next five months. Tenders for the procurement of the vans have already been issued – a step intended to streamline the removal of vehicles and improve both road safety and accessibility for all citizens. Abandoned vehicles not only impede traffic flow but also pose a risk to pedestrians and can be misused for illicit activities.
Last week, the BMC removed 54 abandoned vehicles in Sion and Matunga – areas where such obstructions were causing significant traffic disruptions. Furthermore, the BMC has issued notices to the owners of 154 vehicles, instructing them to remove these vehicles to prevent further road obstructions.
To ensure the success of this initiative, the BMC plans to deploy hydraulic vans across seven zones. These zones cover areas from Colaba-Fort to Sion-Mahim in the island city; Kurla-Chembur to Mulund in the eastern suburbs; and Bandra to Borivali in the western suburbs. Vehicles will be seized according to Section 314 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act of 1888.
The BMC follows a set procedure. Vehicles parked for extended periods are issued 48-hour notices. If the owners fail to claim and remove their vehicles within this timeframe, the vehicles are towed. If left unclaimed for a month, the vehicles are then put up for auction. Over the past two years, the BMC has seized 5,958 abandoned vehicles across Mumbai, generating revenue of Rs. 4.70 crores through successful auctions.
