5 Lakh Two-Wheelers Among 15-Year-Old Vehicles Facing Possible Restriction in Pune
Pune, 24th February 2026: In a significant move to address rising air pollution and worsening traffic congestion, the Pune district administration is planning to restrict the entry of vehicles older than 15 years within city limits.
District Collector Jitendra Dudi, who also serves as Chairman of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), is preparing a proposal to be submitted to the state government for approval. If cleared, the decision could affect more than seven lakh vehicles currently registered in the district.
According to data from the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO), 6,83,411 private vehicles and 46,284 transport vehicles in the district are over 15 years old. Two-wheelers account for the largest share, with 5,12,575 such vehicles still in operation.
Officials said the proposal is being drafted in response to Pune’s declining air quality and growing vehicular density, which have contributed to frequent traffic congestion on major arterial roads. The administration believes that phasing out ageing vehicles could help reduce emissions and ease pressure on the city’s road network.
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has already introduced measures to discourage the continued use of old vehicles, including higher registration renewal fees and a green tax for vehicles older than 15 years. However, many owners continue to operate such vehicles by paying the additional charges.
Stating that the existing measures have had limited impact, district authorities have begun groundwork for a stricter local policy. The Pune RTO is compiling detailed data on old vehicles to support the proposal.
Once submitted, the proposal will require approval from the state government before it can be implemented. Officials said enforcement mechanisms, timelines and possible exemptions will be finalised after the government takes a decision.
