GBA Chief Commissioner directs BTP to begin towing operations from today

GBA Chief Commissioner directs Bengaluru Traffic Police to initiate towing of abandoned vehicles and improve road maintenance ahead of monsoon.

M. Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner, Greater Bengaluru Authority, on Monday directed Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) to begin towing operations to clear abandoned vehicles from city roads from Tuesday, April 7.

Speaking at the coordination meeting held on Monday, Mr. Rao said that towing vehicles had already been handed over to the traffic police by the North and Central City Corporations, along with a list of vehicles that have been parked on roads for several months. 

“Regulate parking on white-topped and other major roads, allowing it only in designated parking areas,” he told BTP. Sources told The Hindu that this time, towing charges will be added to the bill, which will hike the fine amount. While the fines levied for wrong parking go to BTP, the towing charges will be given to the respective civic body.

Further, Mr. Rao directed all five city corporations to procure one pothole-filling machine each to ensure prompt repairs. He also emphasised the need to immediately fix roads that have been cut by various agencies but not restored properly.

He instructed that all road-cutting permissions must be routed through the MARCS software system. In cases where agencies fail to restore roads after completing works, the respective corporation will undertake repairs and recover the costs from them.

He also directed officials to fast-track applications by GAIL for cutting roads without causing any delays.