Mumbai Mayor's car loses flashing lights after central government crackdown
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed flashing red and blue lights from the official vehicle of Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. This move follows a recent central government ban on such lights for most vehicles, including those of civic officials.
The action came after social media reports and complaints from activist Anil Galgali highlighted the illegal use of emergency lights on the mayor's car.
On November 13, 2024, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued strict rules on vehicle flashing lights. Only the Army, Navy, Air Force, NDRF, and National Disaster Management Authority can now use red and blue emergency lights. Other government vehicles, including those of civic bodies, must limit themselves to white front and red rear lights with a 1-watt LED bulb flashing at 120-140 times per minute.
Police vehicles are the only ones allowed multi-colour lights, while ambulances and fire trucks can use amber or yellow flashing lights. The BMC acted quickly after discovering that some of its vehicles, including the mayor's, had non-compliant lights installed.
Earlier this week, the corporation removed the blue-red flashing lights from Tawde's car and other civic officials' vehicles. The decision aligns with the central government's directive to restrict emergency lights to authorised services only.
The removal of illegal flashing lights from the mayor's vehicle brings BMC in line with national regulations. Authorised emergency services remain the only vehicles permitted to use red and blue lights. The BMC has confirmed that no exceptions will be made for civic officials.
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