Driving an Old Vehicle in Pune? You May Soon Pay a Pollution Fee in Shivajinagar and Peth Areas

Pune, March 15, 2026: The district administration in Pune is likely to introduce ‘Low emission zones’ in parts of the city, including Shivajinagar and the old peth areas of Pune, as part of efforts to tackle rising air pollution. The officials said vehicles that contribute more to pollution could be required to pay a special fee to enter these zones once the plan is implemented.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting held recently at the district collector’s office. The meeting was attended by district collector Jitendra Dudi, Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and PMC chief engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar, along with senior officials from various departments and experts in transport planning.

The officials said multiple studies have shown that vehicular emissions are among the biggest contributors to air pollution in the city. A 2020 study found that around 46% of the PM2.5 particulate pollution in the Pune metropolitan region originates from vehicles. PM2.5 particles are extremely fine and are known to pose serious health risks.

A survey conducted in 2023 also revealed that nearly 70% of petrol, diesel and CNG vehicles operating in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are still running on Bharat Stage (BS)-4 or older engine technology. The central government has introduced Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms to curb vehicular pollution and BS 6 is currently considered the least polluting standard.

According to studies, a car registered before 2000 can emit pollution equivalent to nearly 11 modern BS-6 cars, while an old-technology truck can pollute as much as 14 new trucks. Particulate emissions from a BS-6 diesel car are also about 90% lower than those from a BS-3 diesel vehicle.

The officials of the district administration said that under the proposed plan, vehicles using BS-4 or older engine technology may have to pay a ‘daily pollution charge’ to enter the designated low emission zones. Vehicles that fail to pay the fee could face penalties. In the later stages, the officials also plan to extend the rule to BS-4 vehicles, and the low emission zones could be expanded to other parts of the city.

Authorities are also exploring the use of ‘camera-based monitoring systems’ to enforce the rules. A senior officer said the departments concerned have been asked to prepare a detailed action plan for implementing the proposal. “Such measures, along with strengthening public transport and promoting cleaner mobility options, will help improve air quality and create a healthier urban environment” he said.