Cabinet Greenlights Rs 5,041 Crore Initiative to Replace Aging Trucks and Buses in Delhi-NCR for Pollution Control
In a significant move to combat vehicular pollution in the National Capital Region, the Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 5,041 crore scheme aimed at replacing older trucks and buses with cleaner BS-VI and electric vehicles. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the initiative on Wednesday, which includes financial incentives for vehicle owners. The scheme targets over 1.9 lakh trucks and 16,000 buses currently operating in Delhi-NCR, addressing the substantial contribution of older diesel vehicles to the region’s air pollution.
Financial Incentives for Vehicle Owners
The government has outlined various incentives to encourage participation in the scheme. Eligible vehicle owners will benefit from a 5% interest subvention on vehicle loans, monthly fuel vouchers for five years through oil marketing companies, and ex-showroom discounts from automobile manufacturers. The scheme specifically applies to owners of active BS-IV and older trucks and buses registered in Delhi-NCR.
To participate, vehicle owners must either scrap their old vehicles at a registered facility or sell them in a non-NCAP city before acquiring a new or used BS-VI or electric vehicle in Delhi-NCR. Additionally, state governments will offer significant tax benefits, including a 100% concession in motor vehicle tax and a waiver of registration fees for new vehicles, while used BS-VI vehicles will receive a 50% concession. These benefits will remain valid for a decade.
Implementation and Goals
The scheme will be jointly implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Capital Region Planning Board, and the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This Cabinet approval comes as part of ongoing efforts to address transport-related emissions in Delhi-NCR, where air quality has been a persistent environmental issue. Officials anticipate that replacing older diesel fleets with cleaner alternatives will significantly reduce emissions from the commercial transport sector.
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