Bengaluru minister leads drive to tow abandoned vehicles

Karnataka minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Sunday personally supervised a towing drive to clear abandoned vehicles from Bengaluru roads. The move comes amid growing complaints that derelict cars and two-wheelers have become a permanent fixture on arterial roads, eating up parking space and creating traffic bottlenecks.

Gowda, who holds the Bengaluru development portfolio, was seen at multiple locations in the city's central business district as municipal corporation tow trucks lifted vehicles that had been parked for weeks without moving. Officials said the drive was a response to thousands of complaints filed by residents and commuters.

Why abandoned vehicles are a problem

Abandoned vehicles are not just an eyesore. They occupy precious curb space in a city already struggling with a severe parking shortage. Many are left on the roadside after owners sell them or simply stop using them. Over time, they collect garbage, become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and can even be used as shelters by miscreants.

Traffic police say these vehicles are often involved in petty crime. In several cases over the past year, stolen parts were traced back to abandoned cars. The towing drive is expected to reduce such incidents and free up space for legitimate parking.

How the drive unfolded

The minister flagged off the operation from the corporation's central depot early morning. Teams fanned out across wards that had reported the highest number of derelict vehicles. By afternoon, they had towed over 60 vehicles, mostly cars and autorickshaws that had been stationary for more than a month.

Owners of the towed vehicles can reclaim them by paying fines and producing valid documents. Vehicles that remain unclaimed after a statutory period will be scrapped. Gowda said the department has set up a dedicated helpline for citizens to report abandoned vehicles in their neighbourhoods.

Political context and public reaction

The drive comes at a time when the state government is under pressure to improve Bengaluru's crumbling infrastructure. Potholed roads, waterlogged streets and traffic congestion have dominated local news. By taking personal charge of the towing operation, Gowda is signalling a hands-on approach to civic issues.

Residents in areas like Indiranagar and Koramangala welcomed the move. Several social media posts showed pictures of tow trucks removing vehicles that had been parked outside apartment complexes for years. However, some motorists complained that the drive was too aggressive and that they were not given prior notice.

What happens next

The minister has directed the corporation to conduct similar drives every week until the backlog is cleared. A database of all impounded vehicles will be made public to ensure transparency. The government is also considering amending parking bylaws to make it easier to impound vehicles that are abandoned on public land.

For now, Bengaluru's streets look a little less cluttered. Whether the drive can sustain its momentum beyond the initial crackdown remains to be seen.