Pune RTO Proposes Ban On Vehicles Over 15 Years Old To Address Pollution And Traffic Congestion
Pune RTO Proposes Ban On Vehicles Over 15 Years Old To Address Pollution And Traffic Congestion
Pune, February 26, 2026: The district administration in Pune is preparing a proposal to prohibit vehicles older than 15 years from operating within city limits, aiming to combat worsening air pollution and persistent traffic congestion.
District Collector Jitendra Dudi, who heads the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), has directed the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Traffic Police and the Pollution Control Board to compile detailed reports and submit a formal proposal to the Government of Maharashtra for approval. If cleared, the move could affect more than seven lakh vehicles registered in the district.
Data from the Pune Regional Transport Office shows that 6,83,411 private vehicles and 46,284 commercial vehicles in the district have been in use for over 15 years. Two-wheelers account for the majority of these ageing vehicles, with more than 5.12 lakh still on the roads.
Officials said the proposal is being drafted in response to growing concerns about declining air quality and increasing vehicular density, which frequently result in traffic bottlenecks on major city roads. Phasing out older vehicles is expected to reduce emissions and ease pressure on Pune’s transport infrastructure.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has previously introduced measures such as higher renewal charges and green taxes for vehicles older than 15 years to discourage their continued use. However, many owners have continued operating such vehicles after paying the applicable fees.
The authorities are currently compiling comprehensive data on ageing vehicles to support the proposal. The Traffic Police and the Pollution Control Board will also be submitted for consideration, and the plan will be implemented only after receiving approval from the state government.
