Bengaluru: Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Saturday began towing abandoned vehicles from roads after the expiry of the seven-day notice period issued to vehicle owners. Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda symbolically flagged off the operation near Varahi Temple in Gandhinagar constituency. Gandhinagar MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao was also part of the drive.The move is part of GBA’s ongoing effort to clear public roads of vehicles that have been left unattended for long periods, creating traffic and safety concerns.According to data compiled through the Astram software platform, 4,249 abandoned vehicles have been identified across the city so far. Of these, 2,751 were identified by traffic police, while 1,498 were reported by citizens.Gowda said notices have been pasted on 1,034 vehicles across the five city corporations, directing owners to remove them within the stipulated period after paying the prescribed penalty. So far, 72 owners have paid the fine and reclaimed their vehicles.According to officials, the removed vehicles will be kept at GBA office premises for around 15 days and if no owner comes to claim them, they will be collectively auctioned by GBA. The towing operation follows directions issued by GBA chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao earlier this week.Officials said the exercise will continue in phases across the city.
