Pune may soon witness a major shift in how its citizens commute. With rising traffic congestion and worsening air pollution, the district administration is considering a bold move — banning vehicles older than 15 years within city limits. If approved, the decision could impact lakhs of vehicle owners and significantly reshape urban mobility in one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing cities.
Jitendra Dudi, the RTA Chairman and District Collector, is currently drafting a formal proposal that will shortly be sent to the Maharashtra state government for approval.
What Is Pune’s Proposed 15-Year Car Ban?
The proposed law, if it is passed, would prohibit vehicles older than 15 years from operating in Pune city, including private automobiles, commercial vehicles, and particularly two-wheelers.
The district has almost 7 lakh automobiles in this category, according to data from the Pune Regional Transport Office. This includes 46,284 transport vehicles older than 15 years and approximately 6,83,411 private automobiles. Two-wheelers make up around 5,12,575 of these.
Which Vehicles Will Be Most Impacted?
The majority of older cars on Pune’s roadways are two-wheelers due to their low cost and low maintenance requirements. Many locals buy used motorcycles and scooters. These vehicles are necessary for small business owners, delivery personnel and daily commuters. Thousands of homes that rely on older two-wheelers for mobility and a living could be directly impacted by a complete ban.
Why Is Pune Thinking About Making This Change?
Pune’s air quality has been progressively declining as a result of the city’s fast urbanization, growing car population, and worsening traffic. Along with dust and industrial activities, vehicle emissions continue to be a significant source of air pollution in cities.
According to officials, phasing out older cars could potentially cut pollution levels by 20 to 30 percent because they often produce more pollutants due to wear and tear and antiquated engines. Additionally, the administration expects that the policy will promote a move toward cleaner transportation options and reduce traffic congestion on important roadways.
Are India’s Age-Based Car Bans New?
No, comparable regulations have already been implemented. Older gasoline and diesel vehicles have been subject to limitations in the Delhi-NCR area in an effort to reduce extreme pollution levels. But there have also been judicial challenges and public opposition to those policies, which have caused brief halts in their implementation.
Does The Age Of A Vehicle Affect Pollution?
Critics contend that pollution levels are not always determined solely by the age of a vehicle. They claim that while badly maintained modern cars may still emit significant amounts of pollutants, well-maintained older cars might occasionally meet emission regulations. This viewpoint suggests that a general age-based restriction may not be as beneficial as more stringent emission testing and frequent fitness evaluations.
What Takes Place Next?
The state government must approve the proposal, which is still in its early stages, before it can be implemented. It is anticipated that authorities will confer with interested parties, evaluate the effects on enterprises and commuters and take practicality and fairness issues into account. As part of its larger plan to enhance air quality and urban mobility, Pune might be among the first cities in Maharashtra to implement stringent age-based car bans.
Conclusion
If approved, this proposal could mark a significant shift in Pune’s urban transport strategy. For some, it signals cleaner air and improved road conditions. For others, it raises concerns about affordability and accessibility. As the proposal moves toward state-level review, one thing is certain — the debate over balancing environmental responsibility with economic practicality is only just beginning.
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