Gangtok administration issues final warning over abandoned vehicles across town

The Office of the District Collector, Gangtok, has issued a public notice directing the removal of numerous abandoned and unattended vehicles scattered across public roads and government office premises in Gangtok and its surrounding areas. The move comes after a formal report from the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Traffic Branch, Gangtok and Pakyong District, citing serious concerns regarding traffic obstruction, public safety and cleanliness.

According to the notice, a significant number of vehicles ranging from two-wheelers to large four-wheelers have been left for an extended period in busy and sensitive zones like Tibet Road, Deorali School Road, Adampool Road, Bojoghari, Indira Bye-Pass Road, and the Development Area near TNHSSS School Road. Some vehicles were even found without number plates, raising security concerns.

The District Collector, Tushar G. Nikhare (IAS), in the official statement dated June 18, 2025 (Memo No. 405/DCG/2025), has clearly directed all concerned individuals to remove these vehicles within 15 days of the notice. Failure to comply will lead to forced removal by authorities, and the vehicle owners will be held responsible for any associated risk and cost. The order also invokes Section 127(1 & 2) and Section 201 of the Central Motor Vehicles (CMV) Act, 1988, which allows authorities to remove and seize vehicles causing obstruction on public roads.

“This decision is taken keeping in mind the interest of public safety, security, and the smooth functioning of vehicular movement, especially in a town like Gangtok where roads are narrow and traffic congestion is a persistent issue,” the notice read.

The district administration has also requested the Municipal Commissioner to identify any more such vehicles that may be parked in unauthorized places. Meanwhile, the Sr. RTO of the SNT Division, RTO Gangtok, and DPO DM Gangtok have been asked to take necessary steps in coordination with the Traffic Police.

Some of the listed vehicles include an Enfield bike (SK05P 0131) on Tibet Road, an Eeco van (SK01T 1491) on Adampool Road, several scooties and bikes near Deorali School Road, and larger vehicles like a Toyota (SK01P 7767) and a Maruti 800 (SK01P 9664) found in the Bojoghari area. Disturbingly, two vehicles were found without any number plates, one of which was a Jeep and another a two-wheeler.