Pune May Ban Vehicles Older Than 15 Years

After Delhi, Pune may become the next major Indian city to take strict action against ageing vehicles. The district administration is reportedly considering a proposal to bar vehicles older than 15 years from entering city limits. If brought into effect, the restriction could impact more than 7 lakh vehicles. This includes 6,83,411 private vehicles and 46,284 commercial vehicles.

According to a report by Pune Times Mirror, the move is aimed at addressing worsening air quality, rising pollution levels, and growing traffic congestion in Maharashtra’s second largest city. District Collector Jitendra Dudi, who also chairs the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), is drafting a formal proposal to be submitted to the Maharashtra state government for approval. 

What it means?

The report further reveals that two-wheelers make up the bulk of this figure- roughly 5,12,575 units. Two-wheelers have a substantial consumer base not only in the new retail market but also in the used vehicle segment. Many people opt for pre-owned two-wheelers due to their low upfront costs, while others continue using their new bikes and scooters for years because of their cost-effectiveness. The administration’s proposed move is likely to impact these users, particularly daily commuters.

The Pune RTO is currently compiling detailed data on ageing vehicles to support the proposal. Once submitted, the plan will require approval from the state government before implementation. Enforcement measures, timelines, and potential exemptions have yet to be finalised and will be determined after the government reviews the proposal. If approved, the move could signal a major shift in Pune’s urban transport policy and may serve as a model for other cities addressing pollution and congestion.

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Supreme Court Verdict on Delhi Car Ban

Back in October 2018, the Supreme Court passed on a verdict that imposed a blanket ban on petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old in the Delhi-NCR region. The order, aimed at reducing the area’s acute air pollution, was implemented without regard to vehicle fitness or emissions.

Private vehicles were to be deregistered immediately upon reaching the prescribed age limit, while limited commercial use of overage vehicles was permitted in certain cases. The ban led to widespread police raids and the impoundment of vehicles found in violation. The recent proposal by Pune RTO seems to have its roots from this landmark and controversial verdict. 

However, in August 2025, authorities directed police and enforcement agencies not to take coercive action against owners of petrol cars older than 15 years and diesel cars older than 10 years, effectively suspending enforcement of a 2018 Supreme Court ban that had barred such vehicles from operating on NCR roads.