India, Aug. 14 -- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ramped up its efforts to remove abandoned, unusable and scrap vehicles-commonly called khataras-from the city's streets. As of August 12, civic officials have identified 4,325 such vehicles across Mumbai, including the island city and the eastern and western suburbs. (SEE BOX)

To reclaim road space and improve traffic flow, the BMC has issued legal notices to 3,153 vehicle owners under section 314 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888 (amended), directing them to remove their khataras within 72 hours.

Of the total identified, 1,927 vehicles have already been towed away and moved to yards operated by authorised contractors. The ongoing drive is part of a broader p...