The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified its crackdown on abandoned vehicles across Mumbai, identifying 4,325 such khatara vehicles and towing 1,927 to storage yards. Owners have 30 days to reclaim them by paying penalties, after which they will be permanently disposed. The citywide drive, launched on 1 August 2025, relies on citizen reports via WhatsApp, the BMC helpline, and its website.
Quick Read: Key Facts
- Total vehicles identified: 4,325 across island city, western and eastern suburbs
- Vehicles towed so far: 1,927 sent to contractor yards
- Notices issued: 3,153 owners warned under Section 314 of the BMC Act, 1888
- Deadline to reclaim: 30 days from towing, with penalty payment
- Public tip-offs: Citizens can report via ward WhatsApp, 1916 helpline, or MCGM website
- Biggest hotspot: Western suburbs with 2,050 vehicles identified
Mumbai | 14 August 2025 – The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has identified 4,325 abandoned, defunct, or scrapped vehicles across Mumbai, spanning island city, western and eastern suburbs. Notices under Section 314 of the BMC Act, 1888 have been issued to 3,153 vehicle owners, instructing prompt removal within 72 hours. Failure to comply leads to vehicle towing.
Swift Pickup, But What Next?
Out of the identified vehicles, 1,927 have already been towed to contractor yards for storage. Owners now have a 30-day window to reclaim their vehicles, provided they pay penalties. After that period, vehicles will be permanently disposed with no claim allowed.
How Did We Get Here?
The BMC’s renewed Drive Against Abandoned Vehicles, relaunched on 1 August 2025, invited citizens to act as watchdogs by spotting a khatara, reporting with photo and Google location to dedicated zonal WhatsApp numbers. Notices were clear: unremoved vehicles would be towed after 72 hours.
To implement the campaign, the BMC has engaged external agencies and contractors for identifying, towing, and processing defunct vehicles, dividing operations across the city’s three divisions.
Division-Wise Breakdown
- Western suburbs lead with 2,050 identified vehicles
- Eastern suburbs registered 1,440, with 740 towed
- Island city had 833, with 147 towed
How to Report an Abandoned Vehicle
If you spot an abandoned car, scooter, or truck in your area, you can help the BMC act faster.
- Take a clear photo of the vehicle
- Note the exact location using Google Maps to pin the spot
- Send both details to your ward’s designated BMC WhatsApp number
- You can also lodge a complaint via the BMC 1916 helpline or through the MCGM official website complaint section
Once reported, the ward office issues a 72-hour notice to the vehicle owner. If no action is taken, towing is arranged.
What This Means for Mumbaikars
- Unclogged roads mean better traffic flow and more walking space
- Owners must act fast: missed 30-day deadline means permanent loss
- Next in line: anonymous tips and sustained vigilance may drive further sweeps
Residents who spot an abandoned vehicle can still report it. The drive’s success depends on steady public participation and follow-through.
What Lies Ahead
With the initial push under way, Mumbai needs to stay vigilant. Will BMC expand the drive to catch mid-term abandoned vehicles? Can this tide of action push walkability and safety in congested neighbourhoods?
Let us know: Have you seen a khatara vanish from your lane this week?
