Pune: In a bid to combat rising air pollution, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has intensified its efforts to enforce the mandatory Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification for vehicles.

Between April 1 and October 31, 2024, the RTO inspected approximately 13,000 vehicles and penalized over 4,000 for failing to possess valid PUC certificates. This drive led to the collection of fines totaling ₹64 lakh.

With the arrival of winter, fog levels in the city have risen, leading to a further decline in air quality. Pune RTO officials have raised concerns about the possibility of escalating pollution levels in the coming months.

To address this, the RTO has decided to intensify checks and take stricter action against vehicles that fail to meet emission standards.

Last month, the RTO’s Air Patrol Team conducted a special inspection drive, checking 5,323 vehicles. Among these, 1,465 vehicle owners were found without valid PUC certificates, resulting in fines amounting to ₹19 lakh.

PUC Certification Rules and Penalties

Vehicle type determines the cost of obtaining a PUC certificate. Fines for failing to possess a valid PUC certificate:

• ₹2,000 for two-wheelers.

• ₹4,000 for four-wheelers.

“Obtaining a PUC certificate is mandatory for all vehicles. Regular emission checks through PUC certification help reduce pollution. We will continue to take stringent action against violators in the coming days,” said Archana Gaikwad, Regional Transport Officer, Pune.

The RTO has appealed to vehicle owners to ensure their PUC certificates are up to date to avoid penalties and contribute to reducing air pollution in the city.