Ten modified vehicles used for unauthorised commercial vending have had their registrations suspended in Indore as authorities escalate efforts to streamline urban traffic and uphold sustainable city planning. The crackdown follows directive from the city collector, with a joint municipal‑RTO team identifying 17 street vendors plying food and beverages—10 locally registered, and seven from neighbouring districts. Their vehicle registrations have been suspended, and a further inspection deadline has been set to deter blocking of roads and ensure pedestrian safety.
In a recent traffic‑management meeting, District Collector Asheesh Singh emphasised that modified vehicles operating as mobile shops without proper permits disrupt traffic flow and increase accident risk. He ordered strict enforcement, prompting action from the municipal corporation, revenue department and Regional Transport Office (RTO) under Section 55(5) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 . Indore RTO Pradeep Sharma confirmed that among the 17 identified vehicles, 10 registered within the city have faced immediate suspension. For the remaining seven, legal steps have been initiated via their home districts’ RTOs . Owners have been given the opportunity to present documentation and subject their vehicles to physical verification. Failure to comply may result in permanent revocation of registration, according to officials .
This move aligns with a broader legislative push. Earlier, in June, Indore authorities issued licence‑cancellation notices to 17 modified food vehicles parked illegally on city streets, reinforcing a city-wide clampdown on mobile vending impacting traffic and pedestrian movement . Compliance efforts mirror the Supreme Court’s stance that any structural alteration to vehicles may invalidate their registration if original specifications are not maintained. Urban planners note that such encroachments undermine the city’s sustainable goals. Mobile vendors occupying drains or pavements exacerbate stormwater bypass issues, infringe on pedestrian zones, and contribute to uneven streetscapes that hinder equitable urban access. By curbing illegal commercialisation of vehicles, the administration is reinforcing commitments to eco‑friendly, inclusive urban design.
Local residents have expressed mixed responses. Some applaud the initiative, stating that it improves commute safety and reduces noise and litter. However, vendor‑support groups argue that informal vendors depend on these operations for livelihood and call for regulated locations where they can conduct trade lawfully, without compromising city functions. Indore’s administration must balance regulatory enforcement with socioeconomic equity. Creating designated vending zones—supported by sustainable infrastructure such as solar-powered carts and waste‑segregation systems—could offer a model for other Indian cities seeking to harmonise informal economies with urban order. The crackdown coincides with a recent announcement that habitual traffic violators in Indore—those accumulating over ten offences—will face registration cancellation, reinforcing the government’s zero‑tolerance stand on traffic rule compliance .
This signals a long-term shift toward disciplined urban transport management, tighter regulatory policing, and citizen safety. As the Indore municipal and transport authorities proceed with verification and legal action, attention now turns to the broader implications. Will vendors gain access to formalised retail infrastructure? Will enforcement succeed in reducing congestion without pushing traders into more chaotic, unauthorised spaces? The administration’s next steps will test its ability to deliver equitable, sustainable urban planning while accommodating livelihoods. With final notices served and verification due shortly, Indore’s approach may set a precedent in layering regulatory clarity over informal trade—a balancing act crucial to achieving cleaner, more equitable, and resilient Indian cities.
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