The Karnataka government has launched a citywide drive to remove abandoned vehicles from public roads and footpaths across Bengaluru, with authorities warning that unclaimed vehicles will be auctioned according to legal procedures. Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda inaugurated the special clearance operation on Saturday, which is being jointly carried out by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and Bengaluru Traffic Police. Former minister Dinesh Gundu Rao was also present during the launch of the initiative.

The action follows notices issued by the Greater Bengaluru Authority last week on abandoned vehicles across the city, giving owners seven days to remove them or face further action. After the deadline expired, authorities began towing vehicles whose owners failed to respond. The government said the move aims to address civic concerns caused by vehicles occupying public spaces for extended periods and affecting pedestrian movement and the overall appearance of the city.

Addressing the media, Krishna Byre Gowda said abandoned vehicles had become a significant inconvenience for residents and were affecting the city's infrastructure. He said many vehicles had been left unattended on roads and footpaths for months, creating obstacles for commuters and pedestrians. The minister clarified that vehicles parked temporarily for short durations would not be targeted, but those left unused in public areas for more than a week would face action.

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The minister said the removed vehicles would be stored at GBA premises for 15 days, during which owners would have an opportunity to claim them after completing the required procedures and paying applicable fines. Public notices will also be issued through newspapers before authorities take further steps. If owners fail to come forward within the stipulated period, the vehicles will be auctioned as per the law.

According to Krishna Byre Gowda, Bengaluru Traffic Police have identified 2,751 abandoned vehicles across the city, while another 1,498 vehicles were reported by citizens through the Astram App. This has taken the total number of identified abandoned vehicles to 4,249 in the past 15 days. Authorities have already pasted notices on 1,034 vehicles, and owners of 72 vehicles have reclaimed them after paying fines.

The minister said the campaign will continue with support from the Greater Bengaluru Authority and traffic officials to protect public spaces and improve urban cleanliness. He urged citizens to avoid leaving vehicles on roads and footpaths and encouraged residents to report abandoned vehicles through official channels. Authorities stated that the current operation is only the beginning of a larger effort to ensure Bengaluru's public areas remain accessible and free from long-term encroachments.

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