The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has launched a drive to seize and auction vehicles left abandoned or parked illegally on city streets. The operation is being carried out by the five City Corporations under the GBA in accordance with Section 324 of the GBA Act, 2024.
Scope of the Drive
According to a statement from the GBA, the initiative targets vehicles that have been left unattended for extended periods, obstructing traffic and pedestrian movement. The five corporations—Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bengaluru City Corporation, and others—are authorized to tow such vehicles to designated impound lots. Owners will be notified and given a chance to reclaim their vehicles by paying fines and towing charges. If unclaimed within a specified period, the vehicles will be auctioned off.
A senior GBA official said, "This move is aimed at reclaiming public space and ensuring smoother traffic flow. We have identified several hotspots where abandoned vehicles have become a nuisance."
Legal Basis and Implementation
Section 324 of the GBA Act, 2024, empowers the authority to remove any vehicle or object that causes obstruction or is left unattended on public roads. The drive began on July 10, 2026, and will continue until all major roads are cleared. The GBA has set up a helpline for citizens to report abandoned vehicles.
Karnataka's Transport Minister Krishna Byre Gowda supported the initiative, stating, "This will discourage people from using streets as personal parking lots. We urge citizens to cooperate."
Impact on Citizens
Residents in areas like MG Road, Brigade Road, and Koramangala have welcomed the move. Many complained that abandoned vehicles were taking up valuable parking space and creating safety hazards. However, some worry about the inconvenience of having their vehicles towed, especially if they were temporarily parked due to emergencies. The GBA has assured that reasonable grace periods will be given before seizure.
As of now, over 200 vehicles have been impounded across the five corporation zones. Auction dates will be announced after the notice period expires.
