The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a major step to address the growing issue of abandoned vehicles cluttering public spaces across Mumbai. In a new initiative, the civic body plans to appoint a contractor tasked with clearing these vehicles within 48 hours of issuing notices to their owners or contacting them electronically.
This move comes as the city grapples with the space crunch caused by abandoned automobiles, many of which occupy valuable public areas. A senior official from the BMC explained the difficulty in managing these vehicles, as several legal processes are involved, including contacting the police and the Regional Transport Authority (RTO) to determine whether any criminal cases have been filed against the vehicle owners. In addition to the legal checks, the BMC plans to follow a strict procedure where vehicles will be removed and stored by the appointed contractor, with further steps to de-register and dispose of them after a 30-day notice period.
The contractor’s role extends beyond removal; they will also be responsible for ensuring that the vehicles do not re-enter public roads. The BMC has stipulated that the contractor must provide an affidavit ensuring that the vehicles will not be reused. Furthermore, the contractor will also clear other debris and unauthorized scrap, keeping public spaces cleaner and safer. A significant aspect of the initiative is the BMC’s plan to auction these vehicles after they have been cleared, a practice that has proven to be financially beneficial. In 2023, the BMC auctioned nearly 6,000 abandoned vehicles, raising ₹4.7 crore. This financial gain, coupled with the immediate removal of vehicles, aims to improve the quality of urban life for Mumbaikars while addressing long-standing concerns about encroachment on public spaces.
The new measures highlight the BMC’s commitment to tackling urban challenges, especially in a city like Mumbai, where real estate is scarce, and every square foot matters. By outsourcing this responsibility to a contractor, the BMC hopes to streamline the process, reduce delays, and maintain cleaner streets across the metropolis.
