Bhubaneswar: To ease the ordeal of vehicle owners whose cars are towed for traffic violations, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to set up a dedicated call centre. The move aims to cut down on delays that occur when enforcement squads fail to get in touch with owners after vehicles are seized for illegal parking or obstruction.
BMC additional commissioner Kailash Chandra Dash said the call centre will operate during peak evening hours from 6pm to 10pm, when most towing is carried out to clear congestion. “Along with the dedicated call centre, we will also operationalise the toll‑free number 1929. This will help people quickly trace their vehicles and reclaim them without unnecessary delay,” Dash said.
Officials said the system will streamline communication as owners often remain unsure about where their vehicles have been taken, leading to frustration and longer stay at the impound yard. Dash said owners must reach out quickly. “What people are expected to do to avoid their vehicles being unnecessarily there in our custody is to call us. We will guide them to the location of their vehicles. Once the fine is collected, the vehicle will be released,” he said.
BMC said it has been found that vehicles have stayed in the impound yard for a longer period as owners could not be contacted on time. With a centralised call centre and toll‑free line, officials expect fewer such instances and better public response to enforcement. BMC tows around 15 vehicles daily on an average across three zones through a centralised squad run by a private agency. Three tow vehicles are used for the purpose. “We generate awareness during the day through public address system. The announcement will now include awareness about the call centre and the number to dial,” a BMC official said.
Officials said the initiative is part of efforts to tackle the city’s rising traffic pressure. With growing vehicle density and limited parking space, illegal parking remains a persistent problem. The call centre is expected to make the process more citizen-friendly while enforcement continues. BMC said the step will help make reclaiming towed vehicles faster and less stressful for the public.
