Pune RTO Proposes Ban on Vehicles Over 15 Years Old to Tackle Pollution and Traffic Congestion

Pune RTO plans to propose a ban on vehicles older than 15 years within city limits as part of efforts to curb air pollution and reduce traffic congestion.

Pune | 26 February 2026: The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Pune has proposed a plan to prohibit vehicles older than 15 years from operating within the city. This initiative aims to address the city’s growing concerns over air pollution and traffic congestion, with authorities hoping that phasing out older, more polluting vehicles will improve road safety and reduce emissions.

According to preliminary data, over seven lakh vehicles in Pune are more than 15 years old, including nearly 6.83 lakh private vehicles and over 46,000 commercial vehicles. The majority of these are two-wheelers, with more than 5.12 lakh older bikes and scooters currently on city roads. Authorities say these aging vehicles are major contributors to particulate emissions and vehicular pollution, and their reduction could significantly improve air quality.

Under the proposed plan, affected vehicles would either need to be scrapped or restricted to areas outside the urban limits of Pune. Officials are examining the feasibility of this restriction, assessing potential exemptions and the legal framework before submitting the proposal to the state government for approval. If implemented, the move could reshape urban mobility and set a precedent for other Indian cities struggling with pollution and congestion.

The proposal is part of broader efforts to improve urban transport management. Older vehicles are often less fuel-efficient and release higher levels of pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, and nitrogen oxides, contributing to poor air quality. Reducing their number on the roads is expected to complement other strategies such as expanding public transport options, encouraging electric vehicles, and enforcing stricter emissions standards.

Stakeholders, including commuters and residents, have expressed mixed reactions. While some support the ban as a step toward cleaner air, others have raised concerns about affordability and accessibility, particularly for those who rely on older vehicles for daily transport. Experts suggest that any transition should include incentives for cleaner alternatives, subsidies for electric or CNG vehicles, and phased implementation to minimize inconvenience.

Currently, the proposal remains under review, with authorities gathering detailed reports and data to support the plan. Collaboration between the RTO, traffic police, and pollution control departments is key to ensuring that any policy adopted is practical, enforceable, and aligned with broader urban mobility and environmental goals.

If approved, this ban could significantly impact Pune’s urban landscape by reducing vehicular emissions, easing traffic congestion, and encouraging citizens to switch to cleaner, more sustainable modes of transport. Officials emphasize that careful planning, public communication, and phased implementation will be essential for the measure’s success.

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