The Pune district administration is planning a major step to tackle rising pollution and traffic congestion in the city.
Officials are considering banning vehicles that are more than 15 years old from operating within Pune’s city limits.
The proposal is being prepared by District Collector and RTA Chairman Jitendra Dudi and will soon be sent to the Maharashtra state government for approval.
If cleared, this move could impact lakhs of vehicle owners across the city.
Over 7 Lakh Vehicles Could Be Affected
According to data from the Pune Regional Transport Office, more than 7 lakh vehicles in the district are over 15 years old.
This includes:
6,83,411 private vehicles
46,284 transport vehicles
Around 5,12,575 two-wheelers
Two-wheelers make up the biggest share of these older vehicles. Many residents prefer buying second-hand bikes and scooters because they are affordable and economical to maintain.
If the ban is implemented, daily commuters, delivery workers, and small business owners who depend on these vehicles could be directly affected.
Why Is Pune Planning This Ban?
Pune’s air quality has been deteriorating in recent years.
Rapid urban growth, rising vehicle numbers, and constant traffic jams have added to the problem.
Officials believe that removing older vehicles — which tend to pollute more due to outdated engines and wear and tear — could reduce pollution levels by 20 to 30 percent.
The administration also hopes the move will ease congestion on major city roads.
The aim is simple: cleaner air and smoother traffic.
Not the First Time in India
This would not be the first time such a rule is introduced.
In Delhi-NCR, older petrol and diesel vehicles have already faced restrictions to control smog.
However, such decisions have often faced legal challenges and public criticism.
Some experts argue that pollution levels do not depend only on a vehicle’s age.
They say a well-maintained 15-year-old vehicle can sometimes meet emission standards, while a poorly maintained newer vehicle may not.
Critics suggest stricter emission testing instead of a complete age-based ban.
What Happens Next?
For now, this is just a proposal.
The Maharashtra state government will review the plan, consult stakeholders, and assess its impact on citizens.
Authorities are expected to consider concerns related to affordability, fairness, and practical implementation.
If approved, Pune could become one of the first cities in Maharashtra to enforce strict age-based vehicle restrictions in an effort to fight pollution and improve urban mobility.
The final decision could have a major impact on how millions of residents travel every day.
