Nagpur: Nagpur’s roads and footpaths are finally getting some breathing space, with the Traffic Police removing nearly 300 abandoned vehicles in just three days under an intensive month-long citywide clearance campaign. The crackdown, aimed at reclaiming public spaces from vehicles left unattended for months, has also triggered encouraging citizen participation, with around 80 abandoned vehicles being reported through WhatsApp.
The special drive, launched under the direction of DCP (Traffic) Aditya Mirkhelkar, seeks to tackle a problem that has steadily eaten into the city’s available road space. Abandoned cars and two-wheelers, particularly in crowded commercial localities, have become permanent roadside obstructions, narrowing carriageways, occupying footpaths and forcing pedestrians to walk dangerously close to moving traffic.
Traffic police have initially concentrated their action in major commercial hubs, including Sitabuldi, Cotton Market and Sadar, where roadside parking pressure is already high. With nearly 300 vehicles cleared in the first three days, the department is now preparing to expand the operation to other parts of Nagpur.
Mirkhelkar said the campaign would be intensified in the coming days as abandoned vehicles not only aggravate traffic congestion but also create potential accident hazards. The objective is to ensure that roads and pedestrian pathways remain accessible instead of being converted into unofficial dumping grounds for unused vehicles.
Owners given chance before towing
The Traffic Police are following a procedure to remove the vehicles. Initially, efforts are being made to trace their owners and persuade them to remove the vehicles voluntarily. Where ownership details cannot be established or the owners remain untraceable, the vehicles are being towed away.
The campaign is also relying on public participation to identify vehicles that have been lying unattended and escaping routine attention. Around 80 complaints have already reached the traffic authorities through WhatsApp, indicating that citizens are willing to join the effort to reclaim public spaces.
‘Nagpur Ka Traffic Hero’ to reward active citizens
In an innovative move to encourage public involvement, the Traffic Police have introduced the ‘Nagpur Ka Traffic Hero’ initiative. Citizens who report the highest number of abandoned vehicles during the month-long campaign will be felicitated with special certificates.
The initiative is intended to turn residents into active partners in traffic management rather than leaving the responsibility entirely to enforcement personnel.
How citizens can report abandoned vehicles
Residents can help the Traffic Police identify such vehicles through the following channels:
• WhatsApp: Send photographs of the abandoned vehicle along with its exact location to 9356847314.
• Nagpur Police Chatbot: Open the chatbot on WhatsApp, select the ‘Abandoned Vehicle’ option and upload the vehicle’s photographs and location.
• Police follow-up: Traffic personnel will visit the reported location and initiate the necessary steps to have the vehicle removed.
• Recognition: Citizens reporting the highest number of abandoned vehicles during the campaign will receive the ‘Nagpur Ka Traffic Hero’ certificate.
With hundreds of vehicles already cleared, the campaign has begun addressing an often-ignored source of urban congestion. Its real test, however, will be whether the reclaimed spaces remain free of abandoned vehicles after the special drive ends.
For Nagpur’s pedestrians and motorists, the message is clear: public roads and footpaths are meant for movement, not long-term storage of unwanted vehicles.
